Mrs Sarah Siddons, née Kemble, was engaged by David Garrick for a performance at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in 1775-1776. It failed. She returned in 1782, for the role of Isabella in Southern's 'Fatal Marriage', and it was the beginning of a triumphant career which ended in 1812. Her most famous roles were Queen Katharine, Desdemona, Volumnia, and Lady Macbeth, which she played 1785 as well as during her farewell performance in 1812. She was praised by both poets and critics of her day.
John 'Gentleman' Jackson won his first fight at the age of 18 against the veritable giant, William Futrell in 1788. The Prince of Wales was present as an observer at the hour and seven-minute match. Jackson's second match was against George 'The Brewer' Ingleston in 1789. The match took place during a rainstorm, which made floor dangerously slippery. Jackson slipped, twisting his ankle, and had to quit. His last match was against Daniel Mendoza in 1795, which he won in only ten minutes. Jackson retired with the title of Heavyweight Champion in 1795, and opened a boxing salon on Bond Street where he had many of the Ton as students, among them Byron. He died in 1845, a well-liked and respected man.
Jem Belcher was the 20th heavyweight champion of England, and the grandson of Jack Slack, England's 5th heavyweight champion. He was known for his agility and ability to hit quickly, and earned the name 'Napoleon of the Ring'. Belcher's first bout was in 1798 when he defeated Jack Britton. Belcher's second fight was against Jack Bartholomew--a match that was declared a draw after 51 rounds. In a 17 round rematch, Belcher triumphed over Bartholomew, and gained the heavyweight title for himself. During a racquet match in 1803, Belcher lost an eye when a ball struck him, then lost to Henry Pearce in 1805. His last fights were unsuccessful ones--both against Tom Cribb-- in 1807 and 1809. The last defeat was the most devastating in that Belcher wagered his entire fortune on his own victory. He died a broken man at the age of 30 in 1811.
