Shakespeare, William

English playwright and poet, born in Stratford-upon-Avon as the eldest son of the glove maker John Shakespeare and his wife Mary Arden. His mother was from the local aristocracy. Through successful business, the father managed to create a considerable fortune. He became an estate owner, and for some time he held the highest political office of the city. Around 1578, however, the fortune began to dry up, his father got into debt and finally had to sell some of his property, which still did not change the fact that William grew up in one of the wealthiest families of the city.