Think you know the Bard? Here are 5 facts about Shakespeare to get you thinking. How many did you know?
1. Shakespeare was Catholic
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There is strong evidence that Shakespeare was Catholic – an idea that has caused controversy amongst critics for centuries. Discover the reasons here.
2. Shakespeare Was Born in Stratford-upon-Avon
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Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon has become a place of pilgrimage for the literary minded since the 18th century. Today, the house in Henley Street has been preserved by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and is open to the public.
3. Shakespeare’s Grave Is Cursed!
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Shakespeare’s grave in Stratford-upon-Avon has a curse engraved upon it to ward off anyone that might want to move his bones. Read the epitaph here.
4. Hamlet Was Written about Shakespeare's Son
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Hamlet may have been written about William’s son, Hamnet who died at a young age. Shakespeare was devastated by the death of his only son, and it is argued that the character of Hamlet Prince of Denmark, written four years later, is evidence of this.
5. Shakespeare’s plays are not original!
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Shakespeare’s plays are not original! Rather, Shakespeare sourced his plots and characters from historical accounts and classical texts. Discover the main sources here.
