To be or not to be, that is a phrase many will remember and pass on to their children.

William Shakespeare was no ordinary man; he was ahead of his time in terms of intellect and wisdom and was one of the leading pioneers of English literature. While many people have extensively studied his work, alas, very few of us know who William was as a person.

To change that, today we’re bringing you some lesser-known facts about Shakespeare.

1. No one knows when Shakespeare was born

There is no concrete evidence that indicates the famous writer’s birthday. The closest thing historians have come across is the date of his baptism, which was held on 26 April 1564, which is why many theorize he must have been born shortly before that.

Jonathan Borba/Pexels | Because of his baptism, he is assumed to be an April baby

2.   Shakespeare was born in a full house

It is said that Shakespeare had 7 siblings. On top of that, he was the second-born in his family.

3. Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon

Shakespeare was born in Warwickshire and was also known as ‘Bard of Avon’ along with being England’s national poet.

4. Not all of Shakespeare’s work was saved

Historians claim that his surviving work only consists of 154 sonnets, 39 plays with 2 narrative poems, along with some other unclassified work. There are several conspiracy theories regarding his work, with some believing that not all of his work was saved, while others claim that Shakespeare is even credited with the works of other writers.

5. Shakespeare is global

Shakespeare’s work knew no bounds, not even those of a territorial nature. His work has been translated in every major language out there, making him a globally recognized and adored figure.

6. Shakespeare’s plays are the most performed plays.

Be honest, how many other playwrights can you name whose plays you’ve attended?

7. Shakespeare married a farmer’s daughter

Shakespeare fell in love and married Anne Hathaway when he was only 18 and at the time, Hathaway was eight years older than him.

Jeremy Wong/Pexels | It’s funny because Anne Hathaway, the Actress, married a businessman who looks like Shakespeare

8. Shakespeare’s children were illiterate

When he married Hathaway, the two of them parented three children but despite having William Shakespeare as their father, his children were illiterate.

Rondae Production/Pexels | Too bad they didn’t inherit their father’s smarts

9. Shakespeare had some ‘missing years’

Between 1585 to 1592, there is no record of what Shakespeare was up to or an account of his written work. Was he writing some plays? Traveling the world? No one knows, which is why they are considered to be the “lost years” of his life.

So, what do you think of these facts and which one was your favorite?