William Shakespeare was born in a town called Stratford -upon-Avon. His father was a glove maker, who was also chamberlain and a bailiff. William's mother, Mary Arden, came from family that was known to be Catholic. No one knows if Shakespeare was a Catholic. Since baptismal records show that he was baptized April 26, 1564, we assume that he was born on April 23, 1564. He was one of eight children, three however died.

Shakespeare's mother had lost three children before him. She was determined to keep herself in the highest health. Mary had a lot to be afraid of, because an epidemic of plague had just started to cover the country. Shakespeare's parents were especially loved during this time, as they would often donate money to the people that got the plague. William and five other children were born into the household. William being the oldest...