How Elizabethan History, Shakespeare and Mathematics are fascinatingly intertwined

An adaptation of Visccher's famous sixteenth century panorama of London, showing the Globe Theatre, Southwark Cathedral. London Bridge and teh River Thames, St paul's Cathedral, Tower of London, ships in the dockyard, and various other vessels, buildings and agicultural scenes.

Shakespeare grew up in a world fizzing with discovery, from the new concept of ‘zero’ to Galileo’s revolutionary breakthroughs in astronomy. Blending history, literature, and mathematics, this website is linked to Rob Eastaway’s book Much Ado About Numbers and explores how numbers shaped everyday life in Shakespeare’s time, and influenced his writing in unexpected ways.

Lively, accessible, and full of surprises, Much Ado About Numbers celebrates a time when every subject was connected — and learning was full of wonder.

Elizabethan maths quiz

Find out how Tudors multiplied, why Shakespeare never ended a line with the word orange, and why it was so hazardous to play dice.

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The Book

What do Shakespeare and maths have in common? The answer turns out to be – a lot! This book is about the connections between maths, history, science, music and literature, and the joy of Renaissance thinking.

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The Shows

Rob Eastaway presents shows and talks on the fascinating history of numbers in Shakespeare’s lifetime. Based on his entertaining book, the shows range from events for teenagers (aged 13-18) covering core subjects and educational enrichment that are a must for all schools, to talks and presentations aimed at adult audiences.

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Do you know the biggest number in Shakespeare’s plays? Or his connection to a famous astronomer?

The answers to these questions and more surprising facts can be found in our fun Shakespearean facts section. Take a look.

More Fun Facts

Podcasts

Interviews and lively discussion about maths, Shakespeare, and the odd differences and similarities between Tudor and modern life.

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