William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, in 1564. While his exact birthdate is unknown, he was baptised on April 26, so his birthday is traditionally celebrated on April 23.

He was the son of John Shakespeare, a successful glover and alderman, and Mary Arden, the daughter of a wealthy landowning farmer. He likely attended the King's New School in Stratford, which would have provided a thorough education in Latin and the classics.

At the age of 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, who was 26. They had three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet died of unknown causes at the age of 11.

The period between 1585 and 1592 is known as Shakespeare's 'lost years,' as there are no historical records of his activities. It is during this time that he is thought to have moved to London and begun his career in the theatre.

By 1592, Shakespeare was established in London as both an actor and a playwright. He was a managing partner of the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later known as the King's Men), a popular playing company. The company built their own theatre on the south bank of the River Thames, the Globe Theatre, in 1599.

Over his career, Shakespeare wrote approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and a variety of other poems. His works are typically categorised into three genres: comedies, tragedies, and histories, with some later works classified as 'romances' or tragicomedies.

After about 1613, Shakespeare appears to have retired to Stratford, where he had invested in property. He died on April 23, 1616, at the age of 52.

He was buried in the chancel of the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. His tomb is famously inscribed with a curse against moving his bones: 'Good friend, for Jesus' sake forbear, To dig the dust enclosed here. Blest be the man that spares these stones, And cursed be he that moves my bones.'

Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.

Seven years after his death, his fellow actors John Heminges and Henry Condell compiled and published his plays in a volume known as the First Folio, which is the primary source for most of his work today.