Shakespeare’s death date and age at death
William Shakespeare died on 23 April 1616 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, at the age of 52. This date is recorded in surviving church and burial registers and is widely accepted by scholars. Shakespeare was likely born around 23 April 1564, making him 52 years old at the time of his death. The causes are not fully documented, but historical accounts suggest he fell ill rather than died from a single dramatic event.
Key facts about Shakespeare’s death
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | 23 April 1616 | Baptism and burial records |
| Reported age | 52 (born circa 23 April 1564) | Parish register data |
| Place of death | Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England | Local records and biographies |
| Probable cause | Illness; no definitive cause recorded | Historical accounts and inference |
Context: Shakespeare’s final days
In the days before his death, Shakespeare reportedly retired to Stratford after a career in London. Contemporary references suggest he was unwell in the weeks before passing. His death occurred weeks after the burial of his son Hamnet in 1596, but there is no strong evidence linking a specific cause beyond general illness consistent with the period.
Common misconceptions and what sources actually say
Popular narratives sometimes dramatize the circumstances, claiming he died on his birthday or during a specific event. Parish records confirm the 23 April date, aligning with his traditionally cited birthdate. While the exact medical cause is unknown, historical consensus points to illness rather than accident or targeted intrigue. Reliable biographies and archives emphasize this alignment of date and local documentation.
Comparison with other contemporaries
Shakespeare’s lifespan and death date can be contextualized alongside other notable figures of the era. Understanding this helps frame the historical record and distinguish verified data from later storytelling.
- Shakespeare: died 23 April 1616 at age 52, Stratford
- Ben Jonson: died 6 August 1637 at age 62, London
- John Donne: died 31 March 1631 at age 59, London
Why the date matters in literary history
Shakespeare’s death on 23 April 1616 coincides with national observance in some countries as World Book and Copyright Day, though this linkage is commemorative rather than causal. Historically, the date anchors timelines for the publication of the First Folio (1623) and helps scholars map the final phase of the Early Modern English period. It also clarifies succession among playwrights and poets of the era.
Reliable sources and how to verify
Key sources include Stratford parish registers, the Stationers’ Register, and scholarly works such as the Oxford Shakespeare and the Norton Critical Editions. Cross-referencing church records with biographies helps confirm the 23 April 1616 date. For ongoing research, academic databases and authenticated archives remain the best reference points.