Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s Childhood

By Suzie Kim

William Shakespeare

Birth Born in April, 1564 in Stratford (exact date of birth unknown)

Record exists of Shakespeare’s baptism on April 26th 1564

Third child of eight born from John & Mary Shakespeare, first son, and the first to survive past infancy

Family John Shakespeare, Shakespeare’s father, was a glove maker who was also related to wool dealing and money lending

Was a prosperous craftsman, businessman, and a leading townsman

Mary Arden, Shakespeare’s mother, was a well land owner’s daughter in a branch of an aristocratic family

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Education : Petty School Attended a petty junior school, where it was the starting point of education for five year olds

Was educated by the help of a “horn book”

Richer citizens took progress, to the town’s local grammar school

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The Horn Book Horn book is a small wooden board with a handle comprised with the basic text of the alphabet, the Lord’s Prayers, and the Ten Commandments

Education : Grammar School

Attended Stratford’s Grammar School (King’s New School – dedicated by Edward VI) at the age of seven

John Shakespeare ensured that his son would take full advantage of the education available in his home by attending local schools

Curriculum was to teach pupils Latin, both spoken and written

Predicted that Shakespeare’s obvious mastery and love for Latin authors came from the fulfilled education of the grammar school

Grammar SchoolThe Courtyard of King Edward VI Grammar School

Bibliography

"Shakespeare Birthplace Trust." Welcome to the Shakespeare Houses Website. 24 Aug. 2008 <http://www.shakespeare.org.uk/content/view/810/620/>

"Mr. William Shakespeare and the Internet." Mr. William Shakespeare and the Internet. 24 Aug. 2008 <http://shakespeare.palomar.edu/>

"Internet Shakespeare Editions." Internet Shakespeare Editions. 24 Aug. 2008 <http://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/index.html>