Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare, is probably his best-known story. The story details the devoted relationship of two star-crossed lovers. Despite the story's popularity, many people are unaware that it is based on true events. William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is based on the lives of his friends Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton and his wife, Elizabeth Vernon. Henry Wriothesley, often called Southampton, was born on 6 October 1573 to Henry Wriothesley, 2nd Earl. of Southampton and Mary Browne. Southampton became the 3rd Earl at a young age. His father died two days before his eighth birthday, and as the only surviving son, he became the 3rd Earl of Southampton ("Henry Wriothesley"). His mother, Mary Browne was the daughter of Anthony Browne, 1st Viscount Montagu. Southampton was educated and loved poetry. At a time when many budding poets were being born, he became “the patron saint of poets,” including Shakespeare (Lee 1442). Shakespeare dedicated several sonnets to Southampton, and due to the nature of these sonnets, the two were rumored to have an intimate relationship. However, Southampton's true love was Elizabeth Vernon. Elizabeth Vernon is born, the fourth daughter of John Vernon and Elizabeth Devereaux. His father, John Vernon of Hodnet, who was only seven years old when his father died, was under the guardianship of George, Earl of Huntingdon, and Richard, Viscount Hereford. He was the joint heir of his cousin Henry, Earl of Powis and one of the claimants to his cousin's barony (Burke 546). For this reason, they were considered nobles. Because Elizabeth Vernon was a nobility, Queen Elizabeth I considered her trustworthy and nicknamed her as middle of paper......sley, 3rd Earl of Southampton. ". Lumarium, May 5, 2012. Web. May 14, 2014. "Juliet's House." Provincia di Verona, nd Web May 15, 2014. .Lee, New York Dictionary of National Biography: The Macmillan Company, 1903. Print." Romeo's House". di Verona, nd Web. 15 May 2014. "Library of William Crashaw." St. John's College, nd Web. .Wriothesley, Charles. . Westminster: JB Nichols and Sons, 1875. Print..