In which century was Shakespeare born?

Shakespeare was born in the 16th century, traditionally dated 23 April 1564. He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, during the reign of Elizabeth I, whose rule helped create a flourishing period for English theatre and literature.

The 16th century covers the years 1501 through 1600. Shakespeare’s birth date is not recorded directly, but his baptism was entered in Stratford’s parish register on 26 April 1564, so 23 April is conventionally used. His exact birth day therefore remains an inference rather than a documented fact.

Shakespeare later became one of the leading dramatists of the English Renaissance. His major plays were written and performed mainly in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, which can cause confusion: he was born in the 16th century but died in 1616, during the 17th century. The 17th century began in 1601, not 1700, another common date-counting mistake.