Childhood years

William Shakespear was born in April 1564 in Stratford in London. (His actual date of birth is not known althought it is traditionally celebrated on April 23rd.) Later bapitized on the 26 of April. William was the first son, 3 born to the parents of John and Mary Shakespeare, he also had 7 brothers and sisters (Joan, Margaret, William, Joan, Anne, Richard, and Edmound). His father Jorn wa a whittawer (maker or worker and seller of leather goods such as purses, belts or gloves and a dealer in agricultural commodities. The family lived as middle class citizens at the time of Williams birth. As a baby William was wrapped tightly in swaddling bands, babies swaying arms and legs was considered unhealthy so their limbs were restrained until they were up to a year old. All children wore dresses wheather they were boys or girls, a boy was given his first pair of breeches (otherwise known as hose) at six. This was a big event in a boys life and he had a party to celebrate his breeching. Not alot is known about Shakespears schooling but he did attent Stratford Grammer School for 3 years. Hygiene was not a big thing during Williams childhood, he had a bath once a year in May. It was a very big occasion.