William Shakespeare is the world's greatest writer, but his life story remains a tantalising mystery. In this engrossing four-part historical detective story, Michael Wood investigates Shakespeare's life in the turbulent times of Queen Elizabeth I. Using new evidence from spies' reports, local archives and even a coded prison diary, he uncovers the dark side of Shakespeare's world. Present day witnesses help him trace William's early days, his schooling, his father's shady business deals and the dark secret that ruined the family. Finally, in Worcester Cathedral Michael untangles the riddle of William's shotgun marriage, which left him a teenage father whose career prospects looked decidedly slim.

Note: This is part 1 of a series of 4 parts.