The term “Lost Years” in Shakespearean biography refers to a puzzling period in William Shakespeare’s life, specifically between 1585 and 1592. This era falls between the documented baptism of his twins, Hamnet and Judith, in Stratford-upon-Avon and his emergence as a recognized figure in the London theatre scene. The fundamental question surrounding these years is: why are they called the “lost years”? The answer lies in the significant lack of concrete evidence detailing Shakespeare’s activities during this time.
The reason these years are labeled “lost” is primarily due to the absence of official records and documentation about Shakespeare’s life between his twins’ christening and his established presence in London’s theatrical world. We lack definitive proof regarding his departure from Stratford-upon-Avon, the reasons behind his move to London, or his occupations before becoming a playwright and actor. This evidentiary gap has led to the “lost years” moniker, signifying a period shrouded in mystery and speculation.
Numerous theories and anecdotal stories have arisen to fill this void of information, attempting to explain what Shakespeare might have been doing during these “lost years.” One popular narrative, passed down through oral tradition, involves a supposed conflict with Sir Thomas Lucy, a prominent landowner near Stratford. This tale suggests Shakespeare was caught poaching deer on Sir Thomas Lucy’s Charlecote Park estate and fled to London to avoid potential repercussions.
Another theory, attributed to John Aubrey’s writing in 1681, proposes that Shakespeare worked as a schoolmaster in the countryside, possibly in or around Stratford. Other speculations include the possibilities of him being employed as a legal clerk, joining the military, or becoming involved with traveling theater companies that frequented Stratford during the late 1580s. It’s also plausible that he remained in Stratford, contributing to his family’s business ventures.
Ultimately, the “lost years” are a testament to the incomplete nature of historical records and the high level of biographical interest in William Shakespeare. While gaps in historical figures’ lives are not uncommon, the term “lost years” emphasizes the particularly intense curiosity and debate surrounding this period of Shakespeare’s life. Regardless of his activities during these undocumented years, by 1592, Shakespeare had firmly established himself as a playwright in London, marking the end of his “lost years” and the beginning of his documented and celebrated theatrical career.
