WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE. Literature Study Guides - SparkNotes. Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books: 2000-2009. Free eBooks at Planet eBook - Classic Novels and Literature. Free Audio Books - Download an audio book in mp3 or iPod format today! Why is Shakespeare considered to be the greatest writer in English literature? 1564: William Shakespeare is born in Stratford-upon-Avon. His notice of baptism is entered in the parish register at Holy Trinity Church on April 26th. While the actual date of his birth is not known, it is traditionally celebrated on April 23rd. 1571: Shakespeare probably enters grammar school, seven years being the usual age for admission. 1575: Queen Elizabeth visits Kenilworth Castle, near Stratford. Popular legend holds that the eleven-year-old William Shakespeare witnessed the pageantry attendant on the royal progress and later recreated it in his dramatic works. 1582: Shakespeare marries Anne Hathaway of Shottery. 1583: Susanna, the first child of William and Anne Shakespeare, is born. 1585(?)
1585: Twins Hamnet and Judith Shakespeare born. 1589-90: Shakespeare probably writes Henry VI, Part One. 1590-91: Shakespeare probably writes Henry VI, Part Two and Henry VI, Part Three. London theaters are closed due to plague. 1592-94: Shakespeare probably writes The Comedy of Errors. Free Study Guides for Shakespeare and Other Authors. Mr. William Shakespeare and the Internet. Home.