William Shakespeare's specific birthdate is not known. However we do know that he was born during 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, a small English town in which John and Mary Arden Shakespeare lived. Most people think that Shakespeare was born on April 23rd, and celebrate it on this day. But this fact is extremely disputed, as April 23rd is also the day of the feast of St. George, and the same day that Shakespeare died. Shakespeare was the third of seven children his parents gave birth to, but they never went hungry. John was a prominent political figure, as well as a tanner and a glover. He even served a term as a "High Baliff" (Mayor) of Stratford. While John didn't inherit that much wealth, he still had a decent amount of money for the work he did. Mary inherited a sizable amount when she married John, money that got them through many hard times.

              Young William attended an extremely good grammar school, His teachers were all graduates of Oxford and he studied Latin. Schools such as this were common in this time period, the reign of the Elizibethans ensured quality education for all who desired it, and could afford it.

              In 1582 at 18 years of age, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, who was 8 years his senior. This was not all that uncommon in 16th century, mostly because women over the age of 30 were considered unable to bear children, and had to marry before then. Not long after they were married, Anne gave birth to Susanna, and a short while after that, Anne gave birth to twins, which they named Hamnet and Judeth. Now it was time for William to earn some money. He left Anne at home and went to make his name in London as an actor for the Lord Chamberlain's Men. And the rest, is history!