Generally thought of as the greatest English writer of all time, certainly the greatest playwright and poet, Shakespeare was a master at fusing the popular genres of history, tragedy and comedy. Originally an actor himself, he brought theatre to the masses with masterpieces such as Hamlet, King Lear and Romeo and Juliet, while his history plays were often strategically written to please the reigning monarch. Discover Shakespearean London, watch a play at The Globe, explore the picturesque corner of England where he grew up and visit his famous Birthplace.
