Today marks the 440th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s marriage to Anne Hathaway.
29 November is widely regarded as the day they wed back in 1582. Although the date varies by a day or two in both directions, depending on who you speak to, the 29th seems to get the popular vote with most historians.
The couple remained married until Shakespeare’s death. However, the marriage was not without its controversies and plot twists — surely, we would expect nothing less from the Bard himself. His mastery in storytelling is, of course, as popular and celebrated today, as ever before.
- Age: Hathaway was 26 years old when they wed — this was about the average age for marriage in the 16th century — however Shakespeare was only 18 years old. Already, this marriage was leaning towards a more atypical form.
- Susanna: The next curveball arrived six months later when Hathaway gave birth to their first child, Susanna. You don’t need to be a mathematician to work out that she was about three months pregnant when they tied the knot. This explains why the marriage itself seemed to have been rushed through with the associated paperwork sketchy at best.
- Twins: The couple subsequently had twins, Hamnet and Judith, in January 1585. Sadly, Hamnet passed away aged 11 with the cause of death unknown. However, his sister Judith lived a long life and died at the age of 77.
- The Taming of the Shrew: It is thought that Shakespeare wrote one of his first — and still very popular — plays during the 1580s. Although his works are considered fiction, there may have been a few clues in them that hint at his opinions on marriage (and maybe even Anne herself). It is, of course, very much open to interpretation.
‘woo her, wed her, and bed her, and rid the house of her’
– THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (ACT 1 SCENE 1)
- London’s calling: Shakespeare moved to London in 1592, leaving his family in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Although still married, they were living apart, presumably so he could advance his career in the city. Although, there is no documenting evidence to confirm this, leaving it somewhat of a mystery.
Shakespeare went on to write 39 plays and 154 sonnets before returning to Stratford in 1613. He died three years later, in 1616, aged 52.
As with any historical event or life, there will inevitably be gaps in documented evidence, so historians must use conjecture to paint as accurate a picture as possible.
When it comes to marriage, maybe Shakespeare gave away some of his opinions through his plays.
Ponder some of these quotes, and you decide…
‘For what is wedlock forced but a hell. An age of discord and continual strife? Whereas the contrary bringeth bliss. And is a pattern of celestial peace’
– 1 HENRY VI, ACT 5 SCENE 5
‘Who wooed in haste and means to wed at leisure’
– TAMING OF THE SHREW, ACT 3 SCENE 2
‘Marriage is a matter of more worth. Than to be dealt in by attorney ship’
– 1 HENRY VI, ACT 5 SCENE 5
‘The instances that second marriage move. Are base respects of thrift, but none of love’
– HAMLET, ACT 3 SCENE 2
‘Get thee a good husband, and use him as he uses thee’
– ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL, ACT 1 SCENE 1
