Who was William Shakespeare, what are his most famous plays and what are his best quotes?

William Shakespeare was born more than 450 years ago in Stratford-upon-Avon and is widely regarded as one of the greatest playwrights of all time.

But just when was the playwright born and how does his hometown mark his birthday? Here are some top facts about the iconic bard.

William Shakespeare facts

• He is thought to have written 37 plays and more than 150 poems in his lifetime, with 17 comedies, 10 tragedies and 10 histories among them
• His death is shrouded in mystery after he passed away suddenly at the age of 52. He is rumoured to have died after a heavy night of drinking with his friends
• Shakespeare is believed to have invented more than 1,700 commonly-used words, including champion, blanket, gloomy, madcap and hobnob
• He bard was not only a great inventor of words – he is also credited with creating a number of different phrases such as ‘all that glitters isn’t gold’, ‘break the ice’ and ‘too much of a good thing’
• He was from a big family – he was one of eight children, with seven brothers and sisters

When is Shakespeare’s birthday?

The exact date is unknown but it is most often celebrated on April 23, the same date he died aged 52.

We do know that he was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in April 1565.

His baptism is recorded in the Parish Register at Holy Trinity Church on Wednesday, April 26, 1564.

These usually took place within three days of birth,

How does Stratford-upon-Avon celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday?

Usually his home town goes all out in celebrating the famous writer’s birthday, and last year there was a birthday parade through Stratford-upon-Avon.

The following day saw a special service take place at Holy Trinity Church.
However, celebrations were cancelled this year over the coronavirus outbreak.

In a statement organisers said that “all scheduled public events at the Shakespeare Centre and Shakespeare’s family homes have been suspended with immediate effect.

They added: “We understand that this is disappointing news for all concerned, but the health and wellbeing of visitors, staff and volunteers is our top priority.”

What are Shakespeare’s most famous plays?

Romeo and Juliet – this has to be the most well-known story of two star-crossed lovers.

The tragedy sees two youngsters from feuding families fall in love – with devastating consequences.

We won’t spill the beans and give away the ending if you haven’t read or seen this outstanding play.

Macbeth – often referred to as The Scottish play as it is believed by many to be cursed.

It is another of Shakespeare’s tragedies featuring witches, murder and intrigue, including the famous line “Out, damn spot”.

Hamlet – another tragedy about the Prince of Denmark, who is disgusted when his mother marries his uncle after the death of his father.

The play also features love interest Ophelia, Hamlet’s pal Horatio and a group of players.

A Midsummer’s Night Dream – the most well-known of Shakespeare’s comedies, it has been adapted many times for the stage and screen.

It features fairy king and queen, Oberon and Titania, a magic potion that goes wrong, plus the amusingly named characters Puck and Bottom.

And, of course, it features the love story of Hermia, Lysander, Helena and Demetrius.

Julius Caesar – probably the most famous of the history plays by the bard, but also classified as a tragedy.

All-conquering Caesar returns from war, but there is a plot to murder him.

We’re saying no more…

Other famous tragedies include:

• Othello
• King Lear
• Antony and Cleopatra
• The Merchant of Venice – also classified as a comedy

Other famous comedies include:

• Twelfth Night
• As You Like It
• Much Ado About Nothing
• The Taming of the Shrew

Other famous history plays include:

• Richard III
• Henry V
• Richard II
• Henry VI, Part 1

What are some of Shakespeare’s best quotes?

Shakespeare is responsible for some of the most famous phrases we still love and use today. Here are just a few

• “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances… And one man in his time plays many parts” – As You Like It
• “To be, or not to be: that is the question” – Hamlet
• “Now is the winter of our discontent” – Richard III
• “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them” – Twelfth Night
• “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child!” – King Lear
• “If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?” – The Merchant Of Venice
• “We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep” – Tempest
• “Beware the Ides of March” – Julius Caesar
• “What’s in a name? A rose by any name would smell as sweet” – Romeo and Juliet
• “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears: I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him” – Julius Caesar
• “A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse!” – Richard III