23 Apr 2022
Books, On This Day, Reading
23 April 2022 Cheryl

23 April 1616: William Shakespeare dies

William Shakespeare's grave

Shakespeare penned a curse for his grave, daring anyone to move his body from that final resting place. His epitaph was:

Good friend for Jesus’ sake forbear,
To dig the dust enclosed here:
Blest be the man that spares these stones,
And curst be he that moves my bones.

Though it was customary to dig up the bones from previous graves to make room for others, the remains in Shakespeare’s grave are still undisturbed. [1]

On 23 April 1616, at the age of 52, actor, playwright and theatre proprietor William Shakespeare died at home. His death marked the end of a remarkable career that left a lasting legacy in the world of literature and drama.

After a glittering career in London, Shakespeare retired in 1611 at the age of 47 to his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon, where his wife and family had lived during the years when he had lived and worked in London. He wrote many of his most famous works during this time, including plays such as Macbeth, King Lear, and The Tempest, which are considered some of the greatest works of world literature. He was a co-owner of the Globe Theatre, which staged many of his plays. He also acted in some of his own plays and was known for his performances in both comedic and dramatic roles.

Shakespeare died within a month of signing his will, a document which he begins by describing himself as being in “perfect health”. He was survived by his wife Anne and by two daughters, Susanna and Judith. His son Hamnet had died in 1596. He was buried in the chancel of the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, his birthplace. The epitaph carved into the stone slab covering his grave includes a curse against moving his bones, which was carefully avoided during the restoration of the church in 2008.

Despite his relatively short life, Shakespeare had an enormous impact on English literature and is often regarded as one of the greatest writers of all time and he died a wealthy man. His plays were very popular, and his London theatres were booked out every day, ensuring a good income. At the end of his life, he owned several properties in London and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Shakespeare’s works continue to be studied, performed, and celebrated worldwide, and his contributions to literature and drama remain influential to this day.

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