Main content
This programme is not currently available on 91热爆 iPlayer

Shakespeare's Mother: The Secret Life of a Tudor Woman

Michael Wood tells the story of Mary Arden, an ordinary woman in a time of revolution, whose family is rescued from hardship by her successful eldest son - William Shakespeare.

Michael Wood tells the extraordinary story of an ordinary woman in a time of revolution. Born during the reign of Henry VIII, Mary Arden is the daughter of a Warwickshire farmer, but she marries into a new life in the rising Tudor middle class in Stratford-upon-Avon. There she has eight children, three of whom die young. Her husband becomes mayor, but is bankrupted by his shady business dealings. Faced with financial ruin, religious persecution and power politics, the family is the glue that keeps them together until they are rescued by Mary's successful eldest son - William Shakespeare!

1 hour

Last on

Wed 10 Feb 2021 14:00

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Michael Wood
Writer Michael Wood
Producer Rebecca Dobbs
Production Company Maya Vision International

Broadcasts

Featured in...

How could you survive in Tudor England?

Discover the skills you'd need to overcome disease, starvation and punishment.