1. Playwriting: Shakespeare's plays were the primary source of his income. He was commissioned to write plays for various theater companies, including the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later known as the King's Men). The standard rate for a playwright at that time was £5 per play, but Shakespeare's talent and popularity likely commanded higher fees. It is believed that he could earn up to £20 or even more for a single play. Given that he wrote around 38 plays, his total earnings from playwriting could have amounted to several hundred pounds.
2. Acting: Shakespeare was also a successful actor and a member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men. As a shareholder in the company, he would have shared in the profits from the performances. The financial success of the company's productions would have contributed to his income as an actor.
3. Patronage: Shakespeare received financial support from various noble patrons, including the Earls of Southampton and Pembroke. These patrons provided financial assistance to artists, often in exchange for dedications or other forms of recognition. While it is difficult to estimate the exact amount of money Shakespeare may have received from patrons, it is believed that their support played a role in his financial stability.
4. Property Investments: Shakespeare made several property investments, particularly toward the end of his career. He purchased properties, including the New Place in Stratford-upon-Avon, and engaged in real estate transactions. These investments generated rental income and contributed to his overall wealth.
5. Printing: Although Shakespeare's works were not as widely printed during his lifetime as they are today, he may have earned some royalties or profits from the publication of his plays.
Considering these various income sources, it is estimated that Shakespeare could have accumulated a fortune of around £140,000 to £250,000 in his time. This was a substantial amount of money, especially compared to the average income of people during that period. While there is no definitive record, these estimates provide insights into the financial success William Shakespeare achieved during his life.