A Shakespeare Timeline: Part 2 (1600-1604)
1600
First Production of Julius Caesar
The diary of Thomas Platter documents the first recorded performance of Shakespeare's Roman tragedy. Platter, a Swiss tourist on vacation in London, wrote that he saw "in the straw-thatched house the tragedy of the first emperor, Julius Caesar, quite excellently acted by about fifteen persons."
August 4, 1600
Registration of As You Like It
The Chamberlain's Men, Shakespeare's acting troupe, registered As You Like It with the Stationer's Company, instructing that the play was not to be published, in order to prevent unauthorized copies of the text.
February 7, 1601
First Recorded Production of Richard II
Shakespeare's acting troupe, the Chamberlain's Men, were commissioned by the Earl of Essex to stage Richard II at the Globe. Essex's rebellion against Queen Elizabeth occurred on the following day, and it was believed that Essex tried to use Shakespeare's play to encourage the people to revolt. Elizabeth herself said, "I am Richard II, know ye not that"? Essex was executed on February 25.
September 8, 1601
Burial of John Shakespeare
We do not know his exact age at the time of his death, but Shakespeare's father was probably near seventy years old. He had been married to Mary Arden for forty-four years.
May 1, 1602
Shakespeare Buys Land in Stratford
For a hefty sum of £320, Shakespeare acquired 107 acres of Land in Stratford from residents William and John Combe. Six months later Shakespeare purchased a cottage across from New Place, his private residence in Stratford.
1603
First Printing of Hamlet
The first quarto of Hamlet was published by London booksellers Nicholas Ling and John Trundell. Four more quarto versions followed, and the play was also included in the First Folio of 1623. Please click here to learn more about the Bad Quarto of Hamlet.
March 24, 1603
Queen Elizabeth Dies
Queen Elizabeth, a generous patron of drama and literature, helped Shakespeare and his contemporary writers and actors flourish.
May 19, 1603
The King's Men
After the death of Elizabeth I, James the VI of Scotland became the new monarch, known in England as King James I. James, like Elizabeth, loved the arts, particularly the theatre. When he arrived in London, James ordered Shakespeare's acting troupe, the Chamberlain's Men, to come under his own patronage. The troupe was thenceforth known as the King's Men.
February, 1603
Registration of Troilus and Cressida
Similar to As You Like It, Troilus and Cressida was registered with the Stationer's Company but not scheduled for publication at that time. Registration of the play was the only way to combat unauthorized use of the text.
1604
First Performance of Othello
The first recorded performance of Othello was before King James I and his court. Learn about the shocking history of Othello.
December 26, 1604
First Performance of Measure for Measure
Measure for Measure was staged at the court of King James I on St. Stephen's Day. However, the play likely was performed prior to this date.
How to cite this article:
Mabillard, Amanda. Shakespeare Timeline Shakespeare Online. 20 Aug. 2000. (date when you accessed the information) < http://www.shakespeare-online.com/biography/timeline.html >.
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