What status symbol did Shakespeare’s family obtain in 1596?



coat-of-armsIn 1596 William Shakespeare’s father, John Shakespeare, was granted a coat-of-arms. During this time of increasing social mobility, a coat of arms was an essential symbol of respectability, and they were highly sought after. It has been estimated that William might have paid as much as £20 for it.

What was Shakespeare’s family status?

Shakespeare Family Life

William and Anne Shakespeare had three children. Susanna was born six months after their marriage, followed by twins Judith and Hamnet in 1585. Hamnet died at age 11. Shakespeare’s four grandchildren all died without heirs, so there are no direct descendants of his line today.

What did Shakespeare family coat of arms look like?





The Shakespeare coat of arms shows a shield with a diagonal black “bend,” with a spear inside the bend. The spear in the shield and the spear being “shaken” by the falcon perched above are both visual puns on the Shakespeare family name.

Did Shakespeare purchase a coat of arms?

The Shakespeare coat of arms is an English coat of arms. It was granted to John Shakespeare (c. 1531 – 1601), a glover from Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, in 1596, and was used by his son, the playwright William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616), and other descendants.

Was Shakespeare family rich or poor?

Shakespeare’s family were fairly poor, so he was forced to leave school at an early age to find work. When he was eighteen William married Anne Hathaway. By the time William was 21 he was the father of three children.

What social status was Shakespeare?

The middle classes included yeomen , merchants and craftsmen. They were relatively well off and their sons would have gone to school and learnt to read and write. Shakespeare comes from this class – his father was a glove-maker. The lower class worked as servants or as labourers on farms.



What was Shakespeare’s position in the birth order of his family?



What was Shakespeare position in the birth order of his family? 3/8 but became the oldest because two of his sisters past away at a young age. What did Shakespeare’s father do for a living?

What are coat of arms symbols?

A coat of arms is a symbol used to identify families or individuals. It is a detailed design that often includes a shield, crest, helmet, motto, and more. The image could be used as a whole, or the crest can be used as a simplified symbol.

When did Shakespeare receive his coat of arms?

October 1596

Sometime after William Shakespeare’s father John Shakespeare applied unsuccessfully to become a gentleman William took his father to the College of Arms to secure their own family coat of arms. The application cost 30 guineas and was granted from the Garter King of Arms in October 1596.