A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Siddons, Sarah
SIDDONS, SARAH,
The most eminent English tragic actress, was born, in 1756, at Brecknock, and was the daughter of Roger Kemble, manager of company of itinerant players. At the age of fifteen she became attached to Mr. Siddons; and her parents refusing their consent to her marriage, she went to reside with Mrs. Greathead, of Gaft Cliff, as an humble companion. In her eighteenth year she married Mr. Siddons, and returned to the stage. In 1775, she made her first appearance on the London boards, but was unsuccessful. Time, however, matured her powers; and, after an absence of seven years, spent partly at Bath, where she was much admired, she reappeared at Drury Lane in 1782; and from that time her course was a perpetual triumph. In 1812, having acquired an ample fortune, she withdrew into private life. She died, June 9th., 1881. Mrs. Siddons possessed considerable talents as a sculptor. A medallion of herself, and a bust of her brother, John Kemble, are among her works. Her character was irreproachable.