John Shakespeare was a glove maker and also held public offices in Stradford. When William was 13 years old his father went into finacial failure. In 1596 his finances improved but he later died in 1601.
Shakespeare's Mother
Little is known about Mary Shakespeare. She was born Mary Arden and then when she was married changed her name to Shakespeare. She died on September 9th 1608.
William had eight brothers and sisters.
- Joan, born 1558, died before 1569.
- Margaret, born 1562, died 1563 (aged 5 months).
- (William, born 1564, died 1616.)
- Gilbert, born 1566, haberdasher, died 1612. (A haberdasher sells hats, clothes, thread,etc.)
- Joan born 1569, married William Hart, died 1646.
- Anne, born 1571, died 1579.
- Richard, born 1574, occupation unknown, died 1613.
- Edmond born 1580, "player," died 1607.
