William Shakespeare’s wife was Anne Hathaway, also known after marriage as Anne Shakespeare.

Quick Scoop

  • Name: Anne Hathaway (later Anne Shakespeare).
  • Born: Around 1556, probably in Shottery near Stratford-upon-Avon.
  • Married Shakespeare: 1582, when she was about 26 and he was 18.
  • Children together: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith.
  • Lived mainly in Stratford-upon-Avon while Shakespeare worked in London.
  • Died: 6 August 1623, about seven years after Shakespeare’s death.

A tiny story angle

In late 1582, a young William Shakespeare rushed into marriage with Anne Hathaway, a woman eight years older and already pregnant with their first child. While he later became the world’s most famous playwright in London, Anne stayed in Stratford-upon-Avon, raising their children and managing the household that would eventually become the playwright’s final home. Their relationship has sparked centuries of speculation, from the age gap to Shakespeare’s long absences, but all we know for sure is that Anne Hathaway is the woman history records as his wife.

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