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_ ELIZABETH MILBANKE LAMB, LADY MELBOURNE (1751-1818)

Elizabeth Milbanke married Peniston Lamb in 1769 (he became Lord Melbourne when he was created a Viscount in 1770). Lady Melbourne was a very ambitious and capable woman who managed the affairs of her husband and family. She also entertained such notables as Charles James Fox, George Canning, Charles Grey, Prince George, and Richard Brinsley Sheridan. She had an affair with the Prince of Wales in 1780-1784. He was believed to have been the father of her fourth son, George Lamb, who was born in 1779.

WILLIAM LAMB (1779-1848)

It is doubtful that William Lamb, second son of Lady Elizabeth Melbourne, would have required the assistance of Lord Rathbourne to further his political career. After studying in Glasgow, he returned to England, where, over time, he became MP for Leominster, Chief Secretary for Ireland, Home Secretary, and Prime Minister, as well as Queen Victoria’s beloved friend. Lady Melbourne’s ambitions were, indeed, realized by her favorite son.

MRS SARAH SIDDONS (1755–1831)
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.

___RICHARD BRINSLEY SHERIDAN (1751-1816)

Though Richard Brinsley Sheridan had a brilliant political career, his career as part owner and manager of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, ended badly. Henry Holland, the architect chosen to complete the theater’s renovations in 1791, specified certain precautions in his plans that, if implemented, would help prevent, if not control, fire. These included four large reservoirs of water on the roof, ‘fire plates’ that protected the timber framing of the shell, staircases, and other vulnerable portions of the theatre, and an iron curtain that insulated the auditorium from the stage. On 24 February 1809, the theater was almost completely destroyed by fire. At the time of the fire, the vats of water were empty, and the iron curtain removed because it was rusty. But even in the face of such hardship, namely the loss of his theater, Sheridan comported himself with the style for which he had become known. He was in a tavern nearby, and when informed the building was on fire, took a chair and his drink outside. Upon being asked to explain his behavior, Sheridan replied, “May not a gentleman enjoy a glass by his own fireside?”

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JOHN 'GENTLEMAN' JACKSON (1770-1845) 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.

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JEM BELCHER (1781-1811)
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 1805s boxing match. 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.