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Who were Shakespeare’s parents?

William Shakespeare’s father was John Shakespeare. He was a "whittawer," that is, he sold the finest type of white leather gloves. "Glover" is another way to describe John Shakespeare’s business. John Shakespeare went into local politics and eventually became High Bailiff, which was the Stratford equivalent of mayor.

Shakespeare’s mother was Mary Arden Shakespeare. She was probably related to a family of local gentry, the Ardens, but not very closely.

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