Surname: Gilbert Forename(s): William Schwenck b. 18 November 1836. d. 29 May 1911. Nationality: English. VIAF.
Librettist, playwright, poet, illustrator, and barrister. Born in London. Educated
at King’s College and the Inner Temple. Contributed to Cornhill Magazine, Punch, London Society, Tinsley’s Magazine, Temple Bar, and Fun. War correspondent for The Observer in France during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). Author of burlesques, plays,
librettos, and pantomimes. Collaborated extensively with the composer Arthur Sullivan.
Married Lucy Agnes Blois Turner on 6 August 1867. Elected to the Garrick Club in 1906.
First dramatist to be knighted (1907). Biographical information: ODNB. (AC, CC)