Shakespeare Dies: The Bard's Immortal Words Live On
William Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, in Stratford-upon-Avon — his 52nd birthday, if the traditional April 23 birthdate is correct. He'd been retired from London for several years. He owned a large house called New Place, invested in property, and traded in malt — a far cry from the starving artist myth. He left most of his estate to his daughter Susanna, his second-best bed to his wife Anne, and nothing to his son-in-law John Hall, who was a physician. His First Folio wasn't published until 1623, seven years after his death. Eighteen of his plays would have been lost if two fellow actors hadn't compiled the collection. He was buried inside Holy Trinity Church in Stratford. His epitaph threatens anyone who moves his bones.
April 23, 1616
410 years ago
Key Figures & Places
What Else Happened on April 23
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