Profile of the Day: Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway

On this day in 1582, William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway were married in Stratford-upon-Avon. Six months later, Hathaway gave birth to their daughter, Susanna.

Although not much is known about Hathaway’s life beyond references in legal papers, much has been speculated about her relationship with the legendary Bard. She is believed to have grown up in a farmhouse in the village of Shottery. At the time of their marriage, Shakespeare was 18 and Hathaway was 26 and pregnant with their first child. Two years later, the couple welcomed twins, Hamnet and Judith. Their son, Hamnet, died at the age of 11 possibly from the Bubonic Plague.

Shortly after the birth of the twins, Shakespeare left to pursue his work on the London stage. Although he would remain married to Hathaway until his death, Shakespeare would spend most of their married life living in London, writing and performing his plays. In his will, Shakespeare’s famously left his wife his “second-best bed with the furniture.” She died seven years later and is buried next to her husband in the Church of the Holy Trinity in Stratford-upon-Avon.
 

View Anne Hathaway’s Geni Profile

Image: Wikimedia Commons