William Shakespeare, the world-renowned playwright, poet, and actor, is widely recognized as one of the greatest writers in the English language. His works are still studied and performed today, more than 400 years after they were written.
But when did Shakespeare move to London, where he began his career in theater? Let’s explore this question in more detail.
The Early Years of William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England in 1564. He was the third child of John Shakespeare, a glove-maker and leatherworker, and Mary Arden. Shakespeare likely attended school at King Edward VI Grammar School until he was around 14 years old.
After leaving school, it’s unclear what Shakespeare did for several years. Some scholars believe that he may have worked as a teacher or a lawyer’s clerk during this time. Others think that he may have traveled to London to begin his career in theater.
Shakespeare’s Move to London
While there is no definitive proof of when exactly Shakespeare moved to London, it is believed that he arrived there sometime between 1585 and 1592.
At this time, London was a bustling city with a thriving theater scene. The city had several theaters where plays were performed regularly, including the Globe Theatre where many of Shakespeare’s plays would later be staged.
It is thought that Shakespeare initially began working as an actor in London before moving on to writing plays. He quickly gained popularity for his writing abilities and became known as one of the most talented playwrights of his time.
Shakespeare’s Career in Theater
Over the course of his career in theater, which spanned about 20 years from the late 1580s until around 1613, Shakespeare wrote dozens of plays that are still considered some of the finest works of English literature today.
His early plays include works like “Henry VI”, “Richard III”, and “The Comedy of Errors”, while his later plays, written in the early 1600s, include works like “Hamlet”, “Othello”, and “King Lear”.
Shakespeare’s work was incredibly popular during his lifetime, and he became wealthy from his writing. He also acted in some of his own plays, including the role of King Duncan in “Macbeth”.
The Legacy of Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s influence on English literature and theater cannot be overstated. His works have been translated into every major language and are still performed all over the world today.
His writing is known for its poetic beauty, its complex characters, and its exploration of timeless themes like love, death, and power. Shakespeare’s impact on English language and culture is immeasurable.
Conclusion
So when did Shakespeare move to London? While we can’t say for certain, it is believed that he arrived there sometime between 1585 and 1592.
It was in London that he began his career in theater as an actor before moving on to writing plays that would make him one of the most famous writers in history. Shakespeare’s legacy continues to inspire writers and artists today with his timeless works that remain as relevant as ever.