What inspired shakespeare to write plays

Shakespeare biography video bbc one series!

FACTS

Shakespeare literally invented 1,700 words in the English language. He was the first person to use words like -

aerial, critic, submerge, majestic, hurry, lonely, road, assassination, laughable, reliance, exposure......

There are only two authentic portraits of William Shakespeare.

An engraving of him by Martin Droeshout (see right) first published on the title page of the 1623 First Folio, and the monument of the great playwright in Stratford's Holy Trinity Church in Stratford (see above).

Everyone has had a brush with Shakespeare at some point, whether through school, through a theatre or on a tourist tour.

Many more have fallen in love with the bard and his writing. But how much do you know about the man himself?

In addition to great literature, Stratford has Shakespeare to thank for being the reason many thousands of people have travelled to Warwickshire and enjoyed the fine county.

Learn all about the man and his life with our guide to William shakespeare biography video.