War between the countries of Europe was continuing. England, however, under Elizabeth's rule was the dominant power politically, militarily and economically. The Renaissance was fully underway. English society was changing in just about every aspect including philosophy, art, literature, government, economics and religion. Shakespeare was certainly born in a time conducive to progressive thought and experimentation. .
His Life.
Due to the lack of preserved documentation, very little is known about William Shakespeare's life. It has been documented that he was baptized in the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 26, 1564. Although we have no certification of birth, it is assumed that he was born approximately three days before the baptism. Therefore his alleged birth date is April 23, 1564. His parents, John and Mary Arden Shakespeare were an affluent, middle class couple. John was known to be an glove and leather merchant. He met Mary who was the daughter of Robert Arden a farmer/land owner in the nearby village of Wilmcote. After their marriage, John and Mary established their home on Henley Street in Stratford. It was at this house that Shakespeare was born the third of eight children. Unfortunately, William's two older siblings died young. One of the five younger siblings also died. William's father enjoyed success as a merchant during the early years of his marriage. Additionally he served as an alderman and high baliff for Stratford. The 1570's however, did not prove as profitable and John lost much of his accumulated fortune. .
Due to his family's status in the community Young William most likely attended the King Edward VI School, a free grammar school in Stratford. If this assumption is true, this school would have given William a basic knowledge of written and spoken Latin as well as an in-depth study of classical Greek writings and Roman history.
