The History of William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare, the best-known figure in Renaissance literature, if no t all of literature, was born April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, a town near London. His father John Shakespeare, held many jobs, from leather goods salesman to ale taster, culminating in a position as Stratford's High Bailiff, or town mayor. Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden Shakespeare, had eight children with John. Because Shakespeare's paren t were well off, he was able to atten grammar school- a luxury …

…between 1612 and 1613. Common practice in those days was to dig up bodies once a graveyard was full and burn them. William detested this cutom and wrothe following epitaph: Good friends, for Jesus' sake forbear, To dig the bones enclosed here! Blest be the man that spares these stones, And curst be he that moves my bones. He wsa buried April 25, 1616 and according to his wishes, his body has never been removed from its resting place.