August 6 – Anne Hathaway, wife of William Shakespeare

On this day in history, 6th August 1623, Anne Hathaway, wife of William Shakespeare, died.

Anne married Shakespeare in 1582 when she was pregnant with their first child. They had three children, Susanna, and twins, Judith and Hamnet. Hamnet died young.

Anne was buried next to Shakespeare at Holy Trinity Church. A Latin tomb inscription written by John Hall on behalf of his wife, Susanna, Anne’s daughter, translates to:

Breasts, O mother, milk and life thou didst give. Woe is me—for how great a boon shall I give stones? How much rather would I pray that the good angel should move the stone so that, like Christ's body, thine image might come forth! But my prayers are unavailing. Come quickly, Christ, that my mother, though shut within this tomb may rise again and reach the stars.

Find out more about Anne Hathaway by clicking here.

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Image: A photo of Anne Hathaway's Grave at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon, by Claire Ridgway.