William Shakespeare

portrait of William Shakespeare

Date of Birth: 26 April, 1564 (baptised)

Place of Birth: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, West Midlands, England

Date of Death: 23 April, 1616

Place of Death: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England

Ethnicity: English

William Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright, and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language, and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England’s national poet, and the “Bard of Avon.”

William was the son of Mary (Arden) and John Shakespeare.

William’s paternal grandfather was named Richard Shakespeare. Richard was born in Warwickshire, England.

William’s maternal grandfather was Robert Arden (the son of Thomas Arden). Thomas was the son of Eleanor de Arden.

Sources: Family history of William Shakespeare –

Genealogies of William Shakespeare (speculative, likely incorrect) –

Speculation about William Shakespeare being of Jewish/Italian Jewish origin –