Did William Shakespeare Marry Anne Hathaway, the Woman Born in 1555, Not the Modern-Actress?

The story of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway is often romanticized, but it was far from the idyllic tale that historians and fans of Shakespeare's works might imagine. Anne Hathaway, a woman born in 1555, married William Shakespeare in 1582, shortly before Advent. This rapidly arranged marriage, though deed and dates are well known, remains a subject of debate among scholars and fans alike.

Marriage Ceremonies and Dispensation

According to historical records, Shakespeare and Hathaway's wedding took place in late November 1582. This date was chosen specifically because it was just before Advent, a period typically reserved for religious observances. Given that marriages were considered inappropriate during Advent, it was necessary to obtain a special dispensation from the church to proceed. For a single reading of the banns, a unique permission was granted, allowing their marriage to occur.

The Shan't Shotgun Pregnancy

Remarkably, their union was not just hasty but also preceded the birth of their first daughter, Susanna, only six months after the marriage. This timing strongly indicates a possible pre-wedding pregnancy, a scenario that aligns with the concept of a "shotgun" wedding. Shakespeare was just 18 at the time, and his station in life was uncertain, lacking a formal education or profession. Marriage would end any apprenticeship, and pursuing an education would be impossible for a married man.

In the context of Shakespeare's and Hathaway's families, financial straits and social status play a significant role in this sudden and perhaps forced union. Both parties likely needed their families' approval to wed. Anne, as a woman, required her family's consent, while William, as a minor, needed his family's blessing due to his youth. While it is possible that Anne's family might have been hesitant to marry her off, more likely, the delay was deliberate on the Shakespeares' part, driven by William’s inability to support a wife and child.

Modern Narratives and Speculation

The narrative around this marriage has evolved over time. Post-18th century, the discovery of Shakespeare’s will, which famously includes the bequest of his second-best bed to Anne, sparked a narrative suggesting that Anne had tricked William into marriage. It's hypothesized that Anne was desperate for a husband at the age of 27 and thus saw an opportunity to secure financial stability through marriages.

In her book, The Private Life of William Shakespeare, Lena Cowan Orlen presents a new narrative. She suggests that William might have deliberately impregnated Anne to end his apprenticeship. This theory portrays Shakespeare as sly and manipulative, though it remains purely speculative. An even less acknowledged but intriguing theory posits that their union was indeed a genuine love match, with Anne's pregnancy perhaps serving as a catalyst for their union. Had they waited for Shakespeare to complete his apprenticeship, Anne would have been too old to bear children safely.

Conclusion

The union between Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway remains a fascinating subject of historical and social inquiry. While the marriage was initially driven by practical and financial considerations, it is possible that genuine love and mutual respect existed between them, despite the hasty nature of their union. Understanding the social context and the history of their relationship helps paint a more nuanced picture of this famously union.

Keywords: Shakespeare, Anne Hathaway, Marriage