| When was Shakespeare born? |
 | Shakespeare was baptised at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon, on 26 April 1564. At that time, the Prayer Book instructed parents not to delay the baptism of their child beyond the Sunday following birth. In 1564, 26 April fell on a Wednesday, making it unlikely that Shakespeare was born before the previous Sunday, 23 April. When he died, on 23 April 1616, Shakespeare was said to have been in his fifty-third year (i.e. he was fifty-two), which would have been impossible if he was born on or after 24 April. Given that three days would be a reasonable interval between birth and baptism, 23 April has therefore come to be celebrated as his birthday. |
