Confirmed Death Date and Burial Record
William Shakespeare died on 23 April 1616 and was buried two days later, on 25 April 1616, in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon. This date is supported by church burial registers and contemporary references, establishing 23 April as the accepted day of death. Stratford’s records provide a reliable, local documentation of the event.
April 1616 Context and Calendar Note
Shakespeare’s death occurred in April 1616, a period when England still used the Julian calendar, while some regions of Europe had adopted the Gregorian calendar. The difference in calendar systems means that, in modern Gregorian terms, his death is fixed on 23 April, whereas nearby regions may have recorded a numerically different but astronomically aligned date. The burial entry in Holy Trinity Church confirms the timing within days of his actual passing.
Related Life Dates for Reference
Establishing the date of death is clearer when placed alongside other documented milestones in Shakespeare’s life. His baptism on 26 April 1564, traditionally linked to birth on 23 April, and his marriage in late 1582, help frame the arc of a career that culminated in his death in 1616.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Death | 23 April 1616 | Church record / consensus |
| Date of Burial | 25 April 1616 at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon | Parish register |
| Age at Death (estimated) | 52 | Derived from baptism and burial records |
| Place of Burial | Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon, England | Parish register and physical burial site |
Key Sources and Evidence
Primary evidence for the 23 April 1616 date comes from Holy Trinity Church’s burial register, an authoritative local record. In addition, contemporary notices and subsequent biographies corroborate the timing, showing consistent reference to late April 1616 as the period of death. These combined documents form a reliable basis for the accepted date.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Because Shakespeare’s birth is traditionally observed on 23 April, some assume his death aligned exactly in calendar terms. While the coincidence of birth and death on the same nominal day is noted, the verified death remains 23 April 1616 under the Julian calendar in use at the time. No credible alternative date for his death is supported by historical records.
Historical and Cultural Relevance
Shakespeare’s death in April 1616 situates him within a dense cultural moment in late Elizabethan and early Jacobean England. His works remained central to London’s theatrical life until shortly before his death, and the timing of his burial within days of dying reflects both local practice and the respect accorded to a prominent figure. The enduring interest in his dates continues to support scholarly and public engagement with his legacy.
Useful Timeline Summary
- 23 April 1564: Traditional birth date (based on baptism on 26 April).
- Late 1582: Marriage to Anne Hathaway.
- 1590s–1613: Peak writing and theatrical career in London.
- 23 April 1616: Documented date of death.
- 25 April 1616: Burial at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon.