Shakespeare's Birthday

One of the greatest writers ever to live was born 450 years ago today -probably. The date is not known for sure but he was baptized on the 26th April and it is most likely that he was born on the 23rd; this is based on the Elizabethan custom of baptising babies a few days after birth owing to their short life expectancy. We also know that he died on the 23rd April - so he may well have been born and died on the same date!

Shakespeare's writing has survived the test of time and is still well loved. His plays translate into almost any era and no two productions are ever quite the same. Although Shakespeare wrote with the politics of his time in mind, much of the story content applies to any century. His language and phrases are still very much with us all today.

What a legacy to leave behind!