What did Shakespeare’s dad do for a living? This question often piques the curiosity of those interested in the life and times of the renowned playwright, William Shakespeare. To understand the background of Shakespeare, it is essential to delve into the life of his father, John Shakespeare, who played a significant role in shaping the young William’s world.
John Shakespeare was born in 1531 in Stratford-upon-Avon, the same town where his son William would later become famous. He was a man of many trades, which is perhaps why his exact profession remains somewhat elusive. Historians have proposed several possible careers for John Shakespeare, including those of a glover, a wool merchant, and a farmer.
One of the most plausible occupations for John Shakespeare was that of a glover. A glover is someone who makes and repairs gloves, and this trade was quite common in Elizabethan England. As a glover, John would have been involved in the processing of leather, which would have provided him with a steady income. The leather industry was a significant part of the local economy in Stratford-upon-Avon, and John’s skills in this trade would have made him a respected member of the community.
Another potential profession for John Shakespeare was that of a wool merchant. Wool was a highly valued commodity during the Elizabethan period, and Stratford-upon-Avon was a bustling market town where wool was traded. As a wool merchant, John could have been involved in the buying and selling of wool, which would have required a keen eye for business and an understanding of the local market.
Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that John Shakespeare may have also been a farmer. He owned land in Stratford-upon-Avon, and it is possible that he used this land to grow crops and raise livestock. Farming would have provided him with a stable source of income and allowed him to support his family.
While the exact nature of John Shakespeare’s occupation remains a topic of debate among historians, it is clear that he was a man of substance in Stratford-upon-Avon. His various trades and landholdings would have enabled him to provide for his family and give his son William a solid foundation for his future endeavors. In this way, John Shakespeare’s diverse career choices played a crucial role in shaping the life of the greatest playwright in the English language.
