William Shakespeare is one of the greatest storytellers of all time. He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon (a medieval market town located in England's West Midlands) in April 1564. According to records, the exact date of his birth is unknown. William is thought to have been born on April 23, 1564, and is believed to have passed away on the same date in 1616 at the age of 52. The day is also observed as Shakespeare Day to honour the great storyteller of all times. This year, Shakespeare Day 2024 will be observed on April 23, 2024, which is a Tuesday. Here are some interesting facts about the legendary poet, playwright, and actor William Shakespeare. Shakespeare Day: From Sanjeev Kumar’s Angoor to Shahid Kapoor’s Haider, 7 Bollywood Adaptations of Bard’s Greatest Works That You Should Not Miss!

1. William was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in April 1564; it is believed that the exact date of his birth is unknown. He was baptised at Holy Trinity Church on April 26, 1564, and his baptism was recorded in the parish register.

2. Shakespeare's birthplace is a historic building restored to its original 16th-century half-timbered style. It is located on Henley Street in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. The building is believed to be where he was born and spent his childhood years.

3. William's birthday is commonly celebrated on April 23; the same date is believed to be the day he died in 1616.

4. According to records, William Shakespeare wrote around 37 plays for the theatre, over 150 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and a few other short poems. The exact number cannot be calculated because some of his work is believed to have been lost over time.

5. William married a farmer's daughter named Anne Hathaway in 1582, and they remained married until Shakespeare's death. They had three children together—a daughter named Susanna and twins Judith and Hamnet.

6. Shakespeare excelled as an actor, playwright, and shareholder in an acting company known as the Lord Chamberlain's Men, which later came to be known as the King's Men during the reign of James I in 1603. Top Shakespeare Quotes to Remember the English Poet.

7. The King's Men was the theatrical company that William Shakespeare (1564–1616) belonged to for most of his career.

8. Shakespeare, known for his famous plays and sonnets, was also an actor who performed many of his plays and those written by other playwrights. 

9. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, often shortened to Hamlet, is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It is Shakespeare's most extended play, with 30,557 words.

10. William Shakespeare is widely considered the most exceptional English language writer and the world's most eminent dramatist. He is often known as the 'Bard of Avon' and the National Poet of England.

It is noteworthy that Shakespeare's plays and sonnets continue to be popular even today, and his legacy as a writer remains unparalleled. Shakespeare's impact on English literature and culture is undeniable, and his works will continue to be studied and celebrated for generations to come.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 23, 2024 09:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).