Digital Victorian Periodical Poetry

Writer, actor, and composer. Baptized at Southampton on 4 March 1745. Claims to have been educated at Winchester College, though evidence does not appear in school records. Lived in Winchester before moving to London where he remained for most of his life. Worked primarily as an actor and singer, and later began composing his own plays and songs, frequently touring with his own work as a solo performer. Had a relationship with actress Harriet Pitt, and fathered three children with her. Married Anne Maria Wylde (1757-1835) c. 1775 and had one more daughter. Author of more than 900 songs and known especially for sea songs such as Tom Bowling (1789), Poor Jack (1789), Push the Grog About (1789), True Courage (1798), and Every Inch a Sailor (1789). Biographical information: ODNB. (BGL)