As with William, only a limited amount is known about John. It is possible, although not certain, that he was the son of a Mr. Richard Shakespear of Snitterfield who was given land for his services to King Henry VII of England.
On October 2, 1556 John purchased a large house in Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, which was later the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The house was such that the family must have been prosperous. However, John later seems to have fallen on hard times. It is not known when he married his wife, Mary Arden, although a date around 1557 is assumed as there is a baptismal record for a "Joan Shakespeare, daughter to John Shakespeare" dated September 15, 1558.
By 1564 John Shakespeare was a member of the Common Hall of Stradford, and it was in this year William was born. In 1568 he was appointed High Bailiff. He later lost his position as an alderman. Records suggest that he was also prosecuted for illegal dealing in wool.
He is last mentioned in the local records in 1597 when he sold some property to George Badger, a draper. It is possible he died shortly after that time.