How Did William Shakespeare Die?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 06, 2020

The exact cause of William Shakespeare’s death is not known, but many historians believe that he fell victim to an outbreak of typhus that took England by storm in 1616. That is the same year that Shakespeare died.

Not even the exact date of Shakespeare’s death is known. It is known, however, that he died in late April, close to his 52nd birthday on April 23, 1616. Historians also believe that Shakespeare was sick for nearly one month before he actually died. This was evident in the shaky handwriting that appeared in his will. During that time period, it was not uncommon for people to write wills on their deathbeds.