William Shakespeare is considered one of the greatest writers of all time. He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England in 1564 and later moved to London to become an actor and playwright. His plays are still performed around the world over 400 years later, and he is studied widely in schools and universities. Shakespeare lived during exciting times in Tudor England under Queen Elizabeth I and King James I, witnessing major historical events like the Spanish Armada and Gunpowder Plot.