Category Archives: Great Britain

November 30 – Saint Andrew’s Day

Who was Saint Andrew ? Despite what many may think, St. Andrew, who is the patron saint of Scotland, did not live and work in that country. In fact, his legendary connections to Scotland appeared centuries after his death. Andrew, … Continue reading

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Regency Celebrity: Mary Ann Duff, Anglo-American Tragedienne, One of the Greatest on the American Stage

Mary Ann Duff, born Mary Ann Dyke (1794- September 5, 1857), was an Anglo-American tragedienne, in her time regarded as the greatest upon the American stage. She was born in London, England, and died in New York City, USA. Biography … Continue reading

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Regency Celebrity: Maria Theresa Kemble, Actress and Playwright

Maria Theresa Kemble (1774–1838), née Marie Thérèse Du Camp, was an actress on the English stage and wife of Charles Kemble. She wrote a number of comedies. Early Life The daughter of George De Camp, real name possibly De Fleury, … Continue reading

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Regency Celebrity: James Harvey D’Egville, English Dancer and Choreorgrapher

James Harvey D’Egville (ca. 1770 – ca. 1836) was an English dancer and choreographer. James’ father Pierre D’Egville was ballet master at Drury Lane and Sadler’s Wells Theatres. His other son George D’Egville was also a dancer. James D’Egville performed … Continue reading

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Regency Celebrity: John Philip Kemble, a Great Exponent of Shakespearean Roles

John Philip Kemble (1 February 1757 – 26 February 1823) was an English actor. He was born into a theatrical family as the eldest son of Roger Kemble, actor-manager of a touring troupe. His elder sister Sarah Siddons achieved fame … Continue reading

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Early Regency Celebrities: Sarah Siddons, the Best-Known Tragedienne of the 18th Century

Sarah Siddons (5 July 1755 – 8 June 1831) was a Welsh actress, the best-known tragedienne of the 18th century. She was the elder sister of John Philip Kemble, Charles Kemble, Stephen Kemble, Ann Hatton and Elizabeth Whitlock, and the … Continue reading

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Regency Celebrities: Edmund Kean, the Era’s Greatest Actor

Edmund Kean (4 November 1787 – 15 May 1833) was an English actor, regarded in his time as the greatest ever. Early Life Kean was born in Westminster, London. His father was probably Edmund Kean, an architect’s clerk, and his … Continue reading

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Happenings During the Reign of William IV: The Oxford Movement, the Beginning of Anglo-Catholicism

The Oxford Movement was a movement of High Church Anglicans, eventually developing into Anglo-Catholicism. The movement, whose members were often associated with the University of Oxford, argued for the reinstatement of lost Christian traditions of faith and their inclusion into … Continue reading

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Regency Happenings: Henry Bell and the PS Comet, the First Commercially Successful Steamboat Service in Europe

The paddle steamer PS Comet was built for Henry Bell, hotel and baths owner in Helensburgh. With the steamer, Bell began a passenger service on 15 August 1812 on the River Clyde between Glasgow and Greenock; it was the first … Continue reading

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Regency Celebrities: Henry Bell, Pioneer in the Development of the Steamship

Henry Bell (7 April, 1767 – 14 March, 1830) was a Scottish engineer who is famed for introducing the first successful passenger steamboat service in Europe. Early Career Bell was born at Torphichen, near Bathgate, West Lothian in 1767 and … Continue reading

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