William Shakespeare is popularly known for his amazing literature and plays that are still loved and appreciated all over the globe today. There’s something enchanting about the Hamlet writer’s work that is still highly sought after today.

If you are a fan of William Shakespeare, here are some facts you might not have known about the famous writer’s life.

1.  Shakespeare’s plays only featured male actors

As weird as it sounds, it is true. This was because women weren’t socially accepted as actors so even the female characters in his plays had to be portrayed by men. Imagine men in wigs and dresses speaking in a high-pitched voice to impersonate women–we can’t think of anything funnier.

Cottonbro/Pexels | Imagine men in wigs and dresses speaking in a high-pitched voice

2.  William Shakespeare had a royal fan

Queen Elizabeth happened to be a big fan of Shakespeare’s work, to the point that she would often invite his company to perform at the royal court.

3. His theater was ‘extra special’

Shakespeare’s work was demonstrated on a whole new level when it came to his theatre, the Globe. The artistic performances featured trap doors, usage of fire and smoke, and actors being lifted via wires. However, one time, a cannon shot lit the roof on fire, causing the Globe to burn down completely.

Luis Quintero/Pexels | Now that is what we call dedication

4. Shakespeare invented some English words

There is no doubt that Shakespeare was influential but did you know some of the modern English words come from his work? Words like fashionable, in a pick, lackluster, and many more were creations of the late playwright.

Pixabay/Pexels | The Oxford English dictionary has credited William Shakespeare for introducing 3000 words to the English language

5. No one knows the real spelling of William’s last name

Yes, Shakespeare might not even be his name. Historians have concluded that his name has been spelled in 80 different ways with variations like Shappere or Shaxberd. William himself wrote different variations when signing his name and often used to sign his name as ‘Willm Shakp.’

6. William Shakespeare was not poor

It’s true that back in the day, most literary personalities were only discovered and became famous after their demise. William Shakespeare, however, wasn’t one of them. In fact, he was a wealthy man who had a lot of land assets to his name.

There you have it, William Shakespeare; one of England’s finest poets and writers.