Despite the fact that Shakespeare is the most acclaimed playwright of history; his plays have been performed more than any others whilst his scripts have been translated into every modern day language around the globe, many cast a doubt that it was actually the bard himself who penned so many great works. From the early 18^th century, conspiracy theories have been endless, with over 50 other names being put forward as candidates for the true authorship, whilst others have floated the idea that the works were put together by a team of writers, all wishing to remain anonymous.

Many argue that with his academic background, showing no signs of university attendance, Shakespeare simply would not have had the skill or intelligence to produce the noted works. Indeed, many point to the fact that of his 6 existing signatures, there are inconsistencies in his spelling of his own name. However, despite this seemingly limited education, William must have had a vast array of knowledge to produce his works. In Shakespeare plays, both legal and medical matters are written of to quite an advanced level, likewise biblical references are used over 1,000 times, and yet, to our knowledge, he did not study the subject to any level. However, supporters of Shakespeare argue that he had opportunity to research all of his written subjects, as his best friend, Richard Field, also from Henley St in Stratford, was an esteemed book collector and became a publisher in London. The ‘Stratfordians’ (a collective name used for those who believe and support that Shakespeare is the true playwright and poet), also point out that the portrayal of aristocratic life in the plays is so poor, even by the days standard, that it could not have been written by somebody from that walk of life, as is so often suggested.

It is widely believed that in an authors writing, one would tend to reveal themselves or their backgrounds, with suitable links being included in their works. However, this is not true of the Bard’s work; there is no mention of his beloved Stratford-upon-Avon, nor any links back to his childhood days. On this foundation, critics have also suggested that the great business man William ‘Shakspere’ from Stratford is a completely different man, to the great playwright William Shakespeare. As further evidence to this cause, a monument erected in his home town, depicts him holding a sack rather than anything to indicate his work as a writer.

Despite having many famous doubters, including Mark Twain, Sigmund Freid and Charlie Chaplain, most scholars agree that the argument over the works true author is simply a distraction. They firmly state that the works should simply be regarded for what they are, masterpieces of the literacy world.