Memoirs of the Celebrated Mrs Woffington: Adieu For Now

Good readers, events have overtaken me this week, so I shall be taking a break from blogging for the next few days, but I’ll be back next week, hopefully with an interview feature on an exciting new book, and a review of the Thomas Bewick exhibition. Those interested in the Northumbrian wood engraver should definitely check out The Bewick Society’s excellent website and its accompanying blog, Tale-pieces. Historical societies aren't exactly the quickest to pick up new technology so it's refreshing to see two informative and nicely designed sites!

Above: Thomas Bewick, Barn Owl Tyto alba from A History of British Birds
Source: Wiki Commons

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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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