William Shakespeare’s marriage to Anne Hathaway was considered scandalous for several reasons. Firstly, Anne was eight years older than Shakespeare, which was unusual for the time. Age differences in marriages were not uncommon, but such a significant gap raised eyebrows.
Secondly, Anne was already pregnant when they married. The couple’s first child, Susanna, was born just six months after their wedding. This led to speculation and gossip, as premarital pregnancy was frowned upon in Elizabethan England.
Lastly, the marriage was hastily arranged. Shakespeare was only 18 years old at the time, and the quick nature of the wedding suggested that it was more out of necessity than love. This added to the scandalous nature of their union.
Despite the initial scandal, Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway remained married until his death in 1616. They had three children together: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith.