Memoirs of the Celebrated Mrs Woffington: Two Blogs to Cherish

Things have been pretty busy lately but I'm glad to say I've been steered towards a couple of great blogs that have proved to be really pleasant diversions. I thought I'd share them with you here.

I think of myself very much as a nerdy history girl, so was delighted to find some like-minded individuals at the Two Nerdy History Girls blog. Written by bestselling authors Loretta Chase and Susan Holloway Scott, it's a cornucopia of quirky historical facts ranging from proper conduct between married persons of the 1830s to the miseries of Regency London. These ladies are experts at winkling out amusing and surprising facts, and the blog is great to dip into.

For those of you who share my twin enthusiasms for Georgian architecture and landscape, David Nice's blog, I'll Think of Something Later is a very engaging read, touching on subjects such as Georgian Dublin and Wotton House in Buckinghamshire. Nice's natural writing style and his lovely photographs make you feel as if you're strolling around some splendid grounds engaged in erudite conversation. Do have a look if you can.

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Who was Mrs Woffington?

Virtually forgotten today, Margaret Woffington (also known as Peg or Peggy) would rise from humble origins to become one of Georgian London’s most famous actresses, sharing the stage with the likes of David Garrick and excelling in so-called ‘breeches roles’. Born around the year 1720 in Dublin, her childhood years were marred by the death of her father, which plunged her family into poverty. Having reputedly sold watercress barefoot in the streets of the Irish capital, she was soon talent-spotted by a tumbler known as Violante, who staged populist entertainments in booths around the city. Violante had a troupe of child actors called the Liliputians, and before long Woffington was making her debut as Polly Peachum in their version of The Beggar’s Opera. Moving to London, she gained plaudits for both her outstanding beauty and her talent – particularly in comedy – appearing at both Covent Garden and Drury Lane. Known for her quick wit and no-nonsense attitude, she had high-profile affairs with Garrick, Lord Darnley and Charles Hanbury Williams; she was also a generous benefactor, supporting her elderly mother and may even have endowed some almshouses in Teddington, where she had settled at the height of her success. She died, unmarried, in 1760, having suffered a long wasting illness, and is buried in Teddington's parish church of St Mary’s.

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8 comments:

Laura said...: I'm a Nerdy History Girls fan too! (And also a nerdy history girl)and I'll be sure to check the other one out.; 3 June 2010 at 18:53
Mrs Woffington said...: Thanks Laura - hope all's well and that you're enjoying this glorious weather we're having!; 3 June 2010 at 19:04
Laura said...: Everything is good, thanks! The weather is beautiful; just wish my garden was tidier! Looking forward to the weekend very much. Have a great one :); 4 June 2010 at 20:17
curator said...: What a pleasure to be reminded of Nerdy History Girls! Thank you kindly.; 13 June 2010 at 23:33
Mrs Woffington said...: Glad you dropped by, curator!; 19 June 2010 at 15:21
Leah Marie Brown said...: These are indeed blogs to cherish! Thanks for the post.

I know you are already a (much appreciated) follower of my ON Life, Love and Accidental Adventures blog, but if you get a change, would you mind popping over to my new blog about Marie Antoinette? I would love to have you as a follower of that one as well...and to hear your thoughts!

All the best and thanks for the fun reads.

leahmariebrownhistoricals.blogspot.com; 10 July 2010 at 20:00
Mrs Woffington said...: Wow, a new blog - I'll certainly check it out, thanks for the heads-up Leah Marie :); 11 July 2010 at 13:03
Isabella Bradford/Susan Holloway Scott said...: I just came across your delightful blog, and your generous recommendation of the Two Nerdy History Girls! Many thanks for the kind words - and I've now added your Memoirs to our blogroll.; 22 August 2010 at 23:11