Anne Hathaway (Shakespeare's Wife)
- Born:
- c. 1555/56, Shottery, Warwickshire, England
- Died:
- 6 August 1623, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
- Nationality:
- English
- Profession(s):
- Housewife, Landowner (through inheritance)
Early Life and Marriage
- Anne Hathaway was born in Shottery, a village near Stratford-upon-Avon, to Richard Hathaway, a yeoman farmer.
- Her exact birthdate is unknown but is estimated based on her age at the time of her marriage.
- She married William Shakespeare in November 1582, at the age of 26, while Shakespeare was 18.
- They received a special marriage license due to Anne's pregnancy.
- The couple had three children: Susanna, born in 1583, and twins Hamnet and Judith, born in 1585.
Life in Stratford-upon-Avon
- Much of Anne Hathaway's life was spent in Stratford-upon-Avon, while William Shakespeare worked in London.
- She managed the family home and raised their children.
- After her father died, Anne inherited land and property.
- After Shakespeare's death in 1616, she inherited the bulk of his estate for her life.
Death and Estate
- Anne Hathaway died on 6 August 1623, and was buried next to her husband in the Church of the Holy Trinity in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Her will left the residue of her estate to her daughter Susanna Hall.
Legacy and Impact
While specific details about Anne Hathaway's personality and life beyond her marriage are scarce, she is remembered as the wife of William Shakespeare and played a crucial role in his life and the upbringing of their children. The charming cottage believed to have been her childhood home, now known as the "anne hathaway shakespeare house", remains a popular tourist attraction and an important part of Shakespeare's legacy.