Anne Hathaway was the wife of the most renowned English playwright, William Shakespeare. She was born in Shottery, Warwickshire in the late 16th century and is believed to have been the daughter of a wealthy landowner. Her life was largely overshadowed by her husband’s fame, but she left a lasting legacy in the form of her six children with Shakespeare.
Anne Hathaway: Early Life
Anne Hathaway was born around 1556 to a wealthy family in Shottery, Warwickshire. Little is known about her early life, but it is believed that she was well-educated and had a good understanding of the Bible and literature. She was also known to be a skilled needleworker, and she likely had a good understanding of music and dancing as well.
At the age of 26, Anne married William Shakespeare, who was 18 years her senior. This marriage was not a love match, and is believed to have been arranged by Anne’s father. The couple had three children: Susanna, born in 1583, and twins Hamnet and Judith, born in 1585.
Anne Hathaway: Marriage to Shakespeare
Anne and William Shakespeare were married in 1582, when Anne was 26 and William was 18 years her senior. The marriage was not a love match, and is believed to have been arranged by Anne’s father. The couple had three children: Susanna, born in 1583, and twins Hamnet and Judith, born in 1585.
Anne and William lived together in Stratford-upon-Avon until 1592, when William left for London to pursue a career in theatre. During this time, Anne was responsible for raising the children and managing the family’s finances. She was also known to be a skilled needleworker and was likely involved in other forms of needlework, such as embroidery.
Anne Hathaway: Later Years
Anne Hathaway outlived her husband, William Shakespeare, by seven years. She was left with the responsibility of raising her three children alone, as well as managing the family’s finances. She is believed to have lived in Stratford-upon-Avon until her death in 1623.
Anne was remembered fondly by her family and neighbours, and was known to be a generous and kind woman. She was buried in the chancel of the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, alongside her husband.
Anne Hathaway was a woman who lived a quiet and humble life, overshadowed by the fame of her husband. Despite this, she left a lasting legacy in the form of her three children, all of whom went on to have successful careers. Anne was remembered fondly by her family and neighbours, and her legacy continues to this day.
