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Author
Biography:
William Shakespeare's father, John Shakespeare, moved
to the idyllic town of Stratford-upon-Avon in the mid-sixteenth
century, where he became a successful landowner, moneylender, wool
and agricultural goods dealer, and glover. In 1557 he married Mary
Arden . John Shakespeare lived during a time when the middle class
grew and became wealthier and wealthier, thus allowing its members
increasing freedoms, luxuries, and voice in the local government.
He took advantage of the opportunities afforded him through this
social growth and in 1557 became a member of the Stratford Council,
an event which marked the beginning of an illustrious political
career. By 1561 he was elected one of the town's fourteen burgesses,
where he served as constable, one of two chamberlains, and alderman
successively. In these positions he administered borough property
and revenues. In 1567 he was made bailiff, the highest elected office
in Stratford, and the equivalent of a modern day mayor. More...