Stratford was not large, but an important market center in Warwickshire, about 100 miles northwest of London.

John Shakespeare married Mary Arden around the year 1557. John died in 1601 and Mary died in 1608. John was an important citizen in Stratford during Shakespeare's youth, holding many civic offices.

A typical grammar school day in Shakespeare’s time started at 7am in winter, 6am in summer; the students worked until 11:00, took a 2-hour lunch, resumed at 1:00 pm and worked until 5:00 pm. Forty days vacation per year were allowed. Latin, grammar and translation were the main subjects of study.

They were married on November 28, 1582. In Shakespeare’s day a marriage certificate did not exist, and all that was necessary to conclude a marriage was the asking of the banns on three successive Sundays in church and then a ceremony before family and friends. The banns were asked only once for Shakespeare and Ann Hathaway because she was pregnant at the time the bond was issued.

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Susanna, born in 1583, and the twins Judith and Hamnet, born in 1585. Shakespeare’s only son Hamnet (named after one of Shakespeare’s neighbors, Hamnet Sadler) died at age 11 in 1596.

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There are many stories and guesses, but there is no proof that supports any of the theories.

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Caused by a bacteria spread by the rat flea. During the 14th century it was called the Black Death, and was responsible for the death of one quarter to one third of the population of Europe.​

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Acting companies sought the protection of aristocrats. Aristocratic patronage could protect players from the city of London authorities, who were usually eager to curtail their activities.

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These are generally regarded by critics as Shakespeare greatest achievement in the genre of tragedy.​

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James Stuart, James VI of Scotland, became James I of England upon the death of Queen Elizabeth. He reigned from 1603.

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It was assembled south of the Thames. It was built from the timbers of the theater where Shakespeare formerly played, called The Theatre. Shakespeare was part owner.

April 23, 1616

The conspiracy theories have not been proven.