- Shakespeare's company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, is renamed the King's Men after the accession of King James I.
- Shakespeare writes and produces "As You Like It" and "Twelfth Night."
- The Globe Theatre, Shakespeare's primary venue, is built on the south bank of the Thames River.
1600
- Shakespeare writes and produces "Hamlet."
- The War of the Theatres, a literary feud between Shakespeare and playwright Thomas Dekker, begins.
1601
- Shakespeare writes and produces "Troilus and Cressida."
- The War of the Theatres continues.
1602
- Shakespeare writes and produces "The Merry Wives of Windsor."
- The War of the Theatres ends.
1603
- King James I accedes to the English throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth I.
- Shakespeare's company, the King's Men, becomes the resident theatre company at the Globe Theatre.
1604
- Shakespeare writes and produces "Measure for Measure."
- The King's Men tour England.
1605
- Shakespeare writes and produces "Othello."
- The Gunpowder Plot, an attempt by English Catholics to blow up the Houses of Parliament, is foiled.
1606
- Shakespeare writes and produces "King Lear."
- The King's Men perform at the opening of the Banqueting House at Whitehall Palace.
1607
- Shakespeare writes and produces "Macbeth."
- The King's Men tour Scotland.
1608
- Shakespeare writes and produces "Pericles, Prince of Tyre."
- The King's Men tour Ireland.
1609
- Shakespeare writes and produces "Cymbeline."
- The Globe Theatre is destroyed by fire.
1610
- Shakespeare writes and produces "The Winter's Tale."
- The King's Men rebuild the Globe Theatre.
1611
- Shakespeare writes and produces "The Tempest."
- The King's Men perform at the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Frederick V, Elector Palatine.
1612
- Shakespeare writes and produces "Henry VIII."
- The King's Men perform at the funeral of Prince Henry.
1613
- Shakespeare retires to Stratford-upon-Avon.