Sarah Siddons
Who was she?
Wikipedia:
Sarah Siddons (5 July 1755 – 8 June 1831) was a British 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. She was most famous for her portrayal of the
Shakespearean character: Lady Macbeth, a character she made her own.
Why was she in Bath?
She was born Sarah Kemble in Brecon, Brecknockshire, Wales, the eldest
daughter of Roger Kemble, an actor-manager whose travelling company
included most members of his family, and Sarah "Sally" Ward. Acting was
only just becoming a respectable profession for a woman and initially
her parents disapproved of her choice of profession. In 1777, she went
on "the circuit" in the provinces. For the next six years she worked in
provincial companies (in particular York and Bath), gradually building
up a reputation.
In her early visits to Bath she stayed at 2, Abbey Green. When her
careeer was established, she lived with her husband and children at 33,
the Paragon.
Location of plaque at 33, the Paragon:
The text reads
"Here dwelt Sarah Siddons b. 1755 d. 1831"
Location map of 33, The Paragon:
(c) 2011
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