On 9 July 1764, Ann Radcliffe (often known as Mrs. Radcliffe during her life) was born in Holborn, London. Her parents William Ward and Ann Oates were of humble origins despite the fact that they had some famous connections. Her great uncle was William Cheselden, a surgeon to King George II of Great Britain. On her mother’s side, she was …
On This Day: Sarah Siddons is Born
On 5 July 1755, Sarah Kemble Siddons, the famous English actress and tragedienne was born in Brecon, Wales. She was the daughter of Roger Kemble and Sarah “Sally” Ward, the latter for whom she was named. Kemble was the manager of the Warwickshire Company of Comedians, a touring theater company. Sarah belonged to one of the most prominent acting families …