William Shakespeare’s mother, Mary Arden, was the daughter of a wealthy landowner. She did not have a traditional job as we understand it today. Instead, her role was primarily that of a homemaker, managing the household and raising her children. In the context of her time, this was a significant responsibility, especially given the size of her family and the social expectations of the era.
Mary Arden came from a prominent family, and her marriage to John Shakespeare, William’s father, brought her into a life that required managing a household that included not only her immediate family but also servants and possibly apprentices. Her duties would have included overseeing the daily operations of the home, ensuring the family’s needs were met, and possibly assisting with her husband’s business affairs.
While Mary Arden did not have a formal job outside the home, her role was crucial in maintaining the family’s status and ensuring the well-being of her children, including the future playwright William Shakespeare.