Who Were the King and Queen When William Shakespeare Was Alive?
Last Updated Apr 17, 2020 9:08:46 PM ET

Queen Elizabeth I was the monarch when William Shakespeare was born and remained queen until her death in 1603. Elizabeth I had no consort. James I was her successor, and he remained on the throne when Shakespeare died in 1616.
James I married Anne of Denmark in 1589.
Shakespeare's early plays, those written in the 1590s, included both comedies and histories, the latter using the often tumultuous royal successions as inspiration. Shakespeare and his troupe were fairly successful and built their own theater, The Globe, in 1599.
James I was a supporter of the theater. Upon his coronation, the acting troupe changed its name to the King's Men. After 1600, Shakespeare's plays leaned toward tragedies, including Hamlet, King Lear and Macbeth.
More From Reference

Why Getting Vaccinated Doesn't Mean You Should Toss Out the Mask — Yet

How Do You Apply for Social Security Benefits?

How Did the VW Beetle Become an Emblem of the '60s?

We Explain the Complicated History of Myanmar and Aung San Suu Kyi

Financing the Future: Setting Up Savings Plans for Grandchildren

Responsible Retirement: What's the Maximum Amount You Can Contribute to a 401(k)?