William Shakespeare — a name that echoes through the halls of time. But beyond the famous plays and poetic verses, there lies a world of untold stories. From curious curses to “lost years” that still baffle historians, his life is as dramatic as his works. Have you ever wondered why his grave has a warning or how his name hides a playful secret? Well, you’re in for a treat! Get ready to explore 25 lesser-known William Shakespeare facts that will leave you both amazed and amused. As the Bard himself might say, “All the world’s a stage,” and today, it’s his turn to take the spotlight!
Here are the rare 25 William Shakespeare Facts ready to blow your mind
1. Shakespeare’s Birthday Mystery: Born April 23, Baptized April 26 – But Which Is It?
Did William Shakespeare really celebrate his birthday on April 23? The famous playwright was baptized on April 26, 1564, but many still honor April 23 as his birthdate.
Why?
It was common in the 16th century to baptize babies a few days after birth. While we can’t be sure of the exact date, April 23 has a special connection to St. George’s Day, England’s patron saint.
This date also links to many William Shakespeare facts, making it even more meaningful. So, whether it’s April 23 or 26, the world celebrates his birth and timeless impact on literature.
2. William Shakespeare Married Anne Hathaway at 18
William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway when he was just 18 years old. Anne, who was 26, was already pregnant at the time.
Their quick marriage, driven by the circumstances, might have been surprising for their time. Despite their age difference and the rushed nature of their union, the two remained married.
Shakespeare spent much of his time in London while Anne stayed in Stratford, making this early chapter of his life one of the many interesting William Shakespeare facts that continues to spark curiosity.
3. Hamnet’s Tragic Death Left Shakespeare Without Direct Descendant
William Shakespeare had three children, but his son, Hamnet, tragically died at just 11 years old. His death left Shakespeare with no direct descendants to carry on his name.
Hamnet’s passing deeply impacted the playwright, and scholars often wonder how it might have influenced his works. In fact, many believe his loss appears as a theme in some of his plays.
This is one of the many William Shakespeare facts that reveal the personal side of the legendary playwright’s life. It’s a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life, even for the greatest figures.
4. Shakespeare’s 7 Lost Years Remain a Mysterious Gap in History
There’s a mysterious seven-year period in Shakespeare’s life between 1585 and 1592 where no records exist. This period, often referred to as his “lost years,” has puzzled historians for centuries.
What did Shakespeare do during this time?
Was he perfecting his craft, traveling, or something else entirely?
While we may never know, this gap adds to the intrigue surrounding his life. Many William Shakespeare facts remain clouded in mystery, and the lost years are one of the most captivating aspects. It shows that even the most famous figures have parts of their story left untold.
5. Shakespeare’s Acting Company Performed for Queen Elizabeth and King James
Shakespeare’s acting company, known as the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, performed for both Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. These royal performances played a significant role in securing Shakespeare’s career and the success of his company.
The favor of the monarchy meant funding and opportunities for greater performances. The patronage helped his company thrive, allowing Shakespeare to write some of his most famous plays.
This is just one of many William Shakespeare facts that highlight how the playwright’s work intertwined with the political and cultural elite of his time.
6. Shakespeare Played the Ghost in His Own Play Hamlet
Did you know Shakespeare once performed in his own play?
In “Hamlet,” he takes on the role of the ghost of Hamlet’s father. This unique moment shows that Shakespeare wasn’t just a writer but also an active participant in the theatrical world.
He enjoyed being part of the performances, and his own presence on stage added a layer of intrigue to his plays.
Many William Shakespeare facts show that his involvement in theater extended beyond just writing. Shakespeare truly lived his art, blurring the lines between the playwright and the actor.
7. Shakespeare Added Nearly 3,000 Words to the English Language
Shakespeare’s influence on the English language is vast. He is credited with coining or popularizing nearly 3,000 words.
Words like “bedroom,” “lonely,” and “swagger” were either invented or brought into common usage by Shakespeare.
His creativity with language was unmatched, and it is one of the many William Shakespeare facts that contribute to his lasting legacy.
He played with words, used them in new and imaginative ways, changed how people spoke and wrote English, and left a lasting imprint on the language we use today.
8. William Shakespeare’s Name Can Be Rearranged Into a Humorous Anagram
It’s amusing to note that the name “William Shakespeare” can be rearranged to form the anagram “I am a weakish speller.”
While this might be funny, it also hints at Shakespeare’s complicated relationship with spelling. During his time, people didn’t standardize spelling, and he was even inconsistent in how he wrote his name. This quirky William Shakespeare fact reminds us that even the greatest minds weren’t perfect.
It shows that Shakespeare, like everyone else, faced the challenges of language and its fluidity. This playful anagram adds to his rich, human legacy.
9. Shakespeare Introduced Over 1,700 Words Including Eyeball and Assassination
Shakespeare’s contribution to the English language extends far beyond just inventing new words. He is credited with introducing around 1,700 words, including “eyeball” and “assassination.”
These words, now common in our vocabulary, were first used by Shakespeare in his plays. His genius lay in using language to convey complex ideas and emotions in fresh ways.
This is one of the most fascinating William Shakespeare facts, showcasing his linguistic innovation. Shakespeare shaped the English language into what it is now by coining words we still use today.
10. Shakespeare Used Over 80 Different Spellings of His Own Name
Shakespeare didn’t always write his name the same way. Over 80 different spellings of “William Shakespeare” appear in various historical documents. This occurred because spelling was not standardized during his time.
Some variations included “Willm Shaksp” and “William Shakspeare.” This William Shakespeare fact shows that even the great playwright wasn’t immune to the fluidity of language.
Despite the inconsistent spellings, Shakespeare’s name became one of the most recognized in the world, proving that the essence of his work mattered more than its exact representation.
11. Shakespeare Was the Target of Harsh Literary Criticism Early On
Shakespeare faced criticism during his early career, with some calling him an “upstart crow.” This insult, coined by playwright Robert Greene, referred to Shakespeare as a newcomer trying to rise above more established writers.
Despite such harsh reviews, Shakespeare’s works would later gain unparalleled fame. This fascinating William Shakespeare fact highlights that even the greatest writers face their share of critics.
Shakespeare’s perseverance in the face of criticism shows his dedication to his craft, eventually earning him a place as one of the most influential writers in history.
12. 13 Instances of Suicide Appear in Shakespeare’s Plays
Suicide appears in Shakespeare’s plays more than a dozen times. The most famous examples are found in “Romeo and Juliet” and “Hamlet.”
These instances explore complex themes like love, revenge, and despair. Shakespeare used suicide as a powerful tool to show the intense emotions and consequences of his characters’ actions. This William Shakespeare fact reveals the darker aspects of his work, as he wasn’t afraid to confront difficult topics.
His exploration of suicide in these plays shows his depth as a writer, unafraid to delve into the tragic side of human nature.
13. Shakespeare Often Used Absurd Character Names for Humor and Mockery
Shakespeare often used humorous or peculiar names for his characters. Names like “Sir John Falstaff” in Henry IV and “Bottom” in A Midsummer Night’s Dream added a playful tone to his plays.
These quirky names helped highlight the character’s traits or create moments of comic relief. This is one of the fun William Shakespeare facts that demonstrates his creativity and wit.
He knew how to use names to engage the audience, whether for humor or satire. Through these memorable characters, Shakespeare added depth and lightheartedness to his timeless works.
14. Shakespeare Mentioned Birds Around 600 Times in His Plays
Shakespeare had a fascination with birds, mentioning them around 600 times in his works. From “The Phoenix and the Turtle” to the frequent references in Macbeth and King Lear, birds played symbolic roles in his plays.
He used them to represent freedom, love, or foreshadow doom. This interesting William Shakespeare fact shows how he used nature to enhance his stories.
Birds, with their freedom and flight, often mirrored the themes of ambition, fate, and tragedy. Shakespeare’s love for birds adds another layer of meaning to his rich and diverse body of work.
15. Shakespeare Has Hidden Literary Riddles in His Plays
Some scholars believe that Shakespeare’s plays contain hidden messages meant for his circle of friends. Certain lines and phrases might have been playful riddles or secret codes.
While there’s no conclusive proof, the idea that Shakespeare might have included personal messages adds to the mystery of his works. This intriguing William Shakespeare fact suggests that Shakespeare was not just a playwright but also a clever trickster, embedding layers of meaning in his works.
His plays may hold secrets waiting to be discovered, making them even more fascinating to explore.
16. The Plague Forced Shakespeare to Turn to Poetry for 3 Years
When the theaters in London closed due to the plague between 1592 and 1594, Shakespeare turned to poetry. This period of uncertainty became a creative opportunity for the playwright.
He wrote some of his most famous sonnets during this time. This William Shakespeare fact shows how he adapted to adversity and used the downtime to continue creating art.
The outbreak that shut down theaters did not silence Shakespeare’s creativity; instead, it fueled his poetic talent, giving us some of the most beloved and enduring works in English literature.
17. William Shakespeare Was Rumored to Love Pickled Herring While Writing
Shakespeare reportedly had an unusual taste for pickled herring, which he supposedly enjoyed while writing his plays. This quirky culinary habit adds a lighthearted touch to the image of the great playwright.
While this William Shakespeare fact may seem odd, it shows that even literary giants have peculiar preferences.
Shakespeare, known for his deep explorations of the human condition, likely enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including food. His love for pickled herring reminds us that the world’s greatest minds can have fun, unique sides outside their public personas.
18. Shakespeare’s Will Left Only the Second-Best Bed as a Bequest
In his will, Shakespeare left his wife, Anne Hathaway, his second-best bed. While this might seem odd, it’s often interpreted as a symbolic gesture.
Some believe it was a practical gift, while others argue it held sentimental meaning. This William Shakespeare fact has puzzled scholars for centuries.
Beyond this curious bequest, Shakespeare’s will didn’t leave much to his family, raising questions about his personal life.
The second-best bed is now one of the most discussed and mysterious parts of his legacy. It remains an odd yet intriguing detail in Shakespeare’s life.
19. Shakespeare’s Grave Marker Changed From Grain to Quill Over Time
Shakespeare’s original grave marker depicted him holding a bag of grain, and people later replaced it with a quill in 1747.
The change symbolizes his transition from a merchant and actor to a celebrated writer. This William Shakespeare fact highlights how his legacy evolved over time.
While the bag of grain represented his earlier life in business and acting, the quill became a fitting symbol of his literary contributions.
This subtle shift in his grave marker reflects how Shakespeare’s identity transformed as his fame grew, emphasizing his profound impact on literature.
20. Shakespeare’s Epitaph Carries a Curse for Those Who Disturb His Rest
Shakespeare’s epitaph includes a curse warning anyone who dares disturb his grave. It reads: “Curst be he that moves my bones.”
This ominous message was likely meant to protect his resting place. This William Shakespeare fact highlights his desire for peace even after death. The curse has intrigued visitors and scholars for centuries, adding a sense of mystery to his grave.
Today, Shakespeare’s tomb in Stratford-upon-Avon remains a popular site for fans and historians alike. The curse only adds to the enduring fascination with the playwright’s final resting place.
21. The Chandos Portrait Might Not Even Be Shakespeare’s True Likeness
The Chandos portrait is the most recognized image of Shakespeare, but many believe it may not actually depict him. The portrait was created years after Shakespeare’s death, and its authenticity is debated. This William Shakespeare fact adds another layer of intrigue to his legacy.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the portrait’s true identity, it remains a symbol of Shakespeare’s global recognition.
The mystery surrounding his true likeness only increases the allure of his life and works. It shows that even today, parts of Shakespeare’s story remain shrouded in uncertainty.
22. Shakespeare’s Lost Play Cardenio No Longer Exists Today
Shakespeare’s play Cardenio has lost to history. People performed it in Shakespeare’s time, but no copies of the play survived. This William Shakespeare fact adds a sense of mystery to his work.
What was Cardenio about?
Why has it disappeared?
Scholars have speculated on its content, but it remains one of the great literary mysteries. Its absence only deepens the mystery of Shakespeare’s creative process.
The Lost Play is another piece of the puzzle that leaves us longing to know more about the life and works of the Bard.
23. Moons of Uranus Are Named After Characters from Shakespeare’s Plays
The moons of the planet Uranus are named after characters from Shakespeare’s plays. Names like Miranda, Ariel, and Caliban honor his characters. This William Shakespeare fact shows the lasting influence of his plays on both literature and science.
The connection between Shakespeare and astronomy highlights how his characters continue to inspire across centuries.
These celestial bodies, named after characters full of emotion and depth, further solidify Shakespeare’s legacy as a universal figure whose work transcends time and space, influencing fields as diverse as literature, astronomy, and even culture.
24. 2 of Shakespeare’s Plays Have Been Translated Into Klingon
Shakespeare’s works reach beyond Earth, with two of his plays translated into Klingon, the fictional language from Star Trek. This William Shakespeare fact demonstrates the immense global influence of his writing.
The plays Hamlet and Macbeth are available in Klingon, bringing Shakespeare to fans of science fiction. This playful twist shows that audiences universally love his stories, with even alien cultures appreciating them.
It connects Shakespeare’s timeless works with modern pop culture in a fun and quirky way, proving that his themes still resonate with audiences, whether on Earth or in a galaxy far, far away.
25. Abraham Lincoln Was a Huge Fan of Shakespeare and Often Quoted Him
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was an avid admirer of Shakespeare.
He often quoted lines from Shakespeare’s plays, using them to reflect on his own life and leadership. This William Shakespeare fact shows the profound impact Shakespeare had not just in literature but on history.
Lincoln’s frequent references to Shakespeare’s works reveal his deep respect for the playwright’s insights into human nature.
It’s fascinating that two of history’s most influential figures—Shakespeare and Lincoln—are linked through the power of words, each shaping their eras with timeless messages about ambition, morality, and society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, William Shakespeare’s life and works continue to captivate and inspire people across the globe. His influence stretches beyond literature, impacting fields like science, pop culture, and history. From his unique contributions to the English language to his timeless characters, Shakespeare’s legacy remains strong. These William Shakespeare facts reveal the depth and lasting power of his work, proving that his words will continue to resonate for generations to come, shaping culture and society in ways we can only begin to imagine.
FAQs
- What was Shakespeare’s age called?
The Elizabethan Era is the name given to Shakespeare’s age. Queen Elizabeth I named this period, which celebrates its cultural and artistic achievements, including Shakespeare’s plays and poetry.
- What is Shakespeare’s English called?
The English used by Shakespeare is referred to as Early Modern English. This stage of the English language bridges the gap between Middle English and the contemporary English spoken today.
- What was Shakespeare’s last word?
Shakespeare’s final recorded word is “The rest is silence.” Many associate these poignant words with the end of his life, symbolizing a quiet, unresolved conclusion.
- How many poems did Shakespeare write?
Shakespeare wrote 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other minor poems. People particularly renown for Shakespeare’s sonnets for exploring love, time, and beauty.
