Social and historical context

We know more about Shakespeare's life than any other Elizabethan writer or anyone living at that time except royal courtiers. He was writing plays at a time when English theatre was alive with exciting developments and artistic achievement.

So if you're teaching about Shakespeare's life and the social historical context in which he was writing, we offer these free downloadable documents - they are designed as teaching resources which you may adapt for use with your students.

Shakespeare's life and times »

Shakespeare's theatre »