The Life and Legacy of William Shakespeare

EARLY LIFE

Seven years later after their wedding, William Shakespeare was born in April 26, 1564 in Stratford (accepted birth and birth place) to Mr. and Mrs. John Shakespeare.
William had eight siblings, and although he didn’t get a chance to meet all of them, they were still part of his family.
Joan (Oldest Sister), the first child brought a huge amount of joy to the young, and ambitious couple, only to be dealt a dreadful blow shortly after her birth; On September 15,1558 Joan was baptized (only survived two months). Margaret (Older Sister), was born in 1562 and was baptized on December 2. Once again family life was devastated as the little Margaret only lived for one year. Two years after William’ birth, the Shakespeare’s' fourth child, Gilbert was born. Gilbert was baptized at Holy Trinity on October 13, 1566, at Holy Trinity. He followed his older brother (William) to London where he established a good and successful career later in life. Joan (Younger Sister), was born in 1569, she was named after her oldest sister, Joan. She had a dissimilar childhood to her older brothers. She was known, like her parents, to be unable to read or write. Joan's childhood would have therefore been close to the family and helping her mother with the chores.
Anne (Youngest Sister), was born September 28 1571, when William was seven years old, Gilbert was five and Joan was two providing the three brothers and sisters with another sister. Another catastrophe struck the family in 1579 when little eight year old Anne Shakespeare died. Richard (Younger Brother), was born 1574 and baptized on March 11, when William was 10 years old, Gilbert was 8, Joan was five and Anne was three providing the four brothers and sisters with another brother. In 1578 his elder brothers were removed from school to help with the business and it is therefore doubtful that Brother Richard received much of an education. Edmund (Youngest Brother), was born in 1580, he was christened on May 3. He had four, healthy, living siblings; Brother William aged 16, Brother Gilbert aged 14, Sister Joan aged 11 and Brother Richard aged 6. He never had the chance to meet his other older sisters Anne, Joan (eldest sister), and Margaret. "William Shakespeare Brothers & Sisters." WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Dec. 2012.