Talk:William Shaftoe Robertson

A northern tour?

The 1851 census picks up the family staying in Burnley

• Margaret Shaftoe Robertson, born 1848, the 1851 census records Margret aged 3 born in Grimsby, with parents William 53 born in Lincs Martins, Elizabeth 45 born London Both Comedians and Georgiana 14, William 11, Henry 10, and Frederick 4 in Church St, Burnley, Lancs.

The Preston Chronicle 29 March 1851, The Drama, page 6 picks them up after they have been performing at Burnley for a week in a temporary theatre (the Temperance Hall) in which were presented The Stranger, King Lear, She stoops to conquer and William Tell. They had remained nearly three months [performing] in Colne. Fenlandier (talk) 19:19, 10 July 2020 (UTC)

Thanks. I added the Preston Chronicle stuff, with links to the plays, and also got a cite for the census. -- Ssilvers (talk) 04:36, 11 July 2020 (UTC)

BTW, can you come up with a cite for when James (his son?) took over (or became a partner in) management of the Lincoln circuit? -- Ssilvers (talk) 04:38, 11 July 2020 (UTC)

I'll get back to you. Their children were sometimes left with third parties to look after them. Lincolnshire Chronicle. 31 March 1848. Page 5. Title=Peterborough.

A Mrs Gull who knew the Robertsons hearing that their two girls Georgiana and Ellen Robertson were in a famishing state went to the Misses Green and took them away to her own house. Mr John Mille, clerk to the board of Gurdians preferred an information against Susan and Elizabeth Green. A warrant was issued and they were arrested. The defendants preferred to remain in Gaol as there was considerable excitement.

Bearing in mind the terrible state of the theatrical circuits it's probably that the carers hadn't been paid - I think I read somewhere else. I've read about actors and others committing suicide as they had no means in their old age - terrible times. There were supposed to be 22 Robertson children - still only found a dozen. Fenlandier (talk) 00:16, 19 July 2020 (UTC)

A James Robertson was a partner in the Stamford circuit. By the time Fanny Robertson handed over to her nephew, there wasn't much time left. Almost all of the theatres had been sold. Some Robertsons seem to put on plays in the Lincolnshire circuit area but as the newspapers just refer to their last names it's not easy unpicking which they are. Even with Neil R Wright's 2016 book it's going to take time to progress past the 1850s. He mainly covers the 1760s to the 1840s. Waiting for the end of lockdown in order to access archives etc. Fenlandier (talk) 00:29, 19 July 2020 (UTC)

The Theatre.—We perceive in an announcement by hand-bills of the performances for next Monday by Mrs. Fitzwilliam and Miss Cantley that Mr. Robertson calls the attention of the patrons of the drama in Stamford to a recent proposition he has made at Lincoln, Boston, and other towns, which if accomplished in Stamford, will enable him to again introduce a dramatic representation in the town, at a lower rate of expense, and upon more reciprocal and certain principles. It projected to raise 40 season tickets, at the rate of 11. each, the subscriptions to extend over one twelve month, for which Mr. Robertson guarantees twenty separate performances ; the arrangement will extend to the races, the fair, and will include the engagement of all stars that will be introduced in the course of the year, the tickets not to be transferable except to the family of the party taking the same. In the event of the above proposition meeting the approbation and approval of the ladies and gentlemen of Stamford, Mr. R. intends to resume the tenancy of the theatre, and use his best efforts to ensure a dramatic introduction for the above period, that he doubts not will prove perfectly satisfactory to the parties who may honor this proposition with their encouragement and support. We really think this worthy the attention of the public. Lincolnshire Chronicle - Friday 06 June 1845 THE THEATRE (Fenlandier (talk) 12:58, 19 July 2020 (UTC)) They try this sceme with varying degrees of success on the circuit. Judging by the later newspapers it hasnt solved their finabcial struggles.

The Theatre.—We regret to hear that a seisure of Mr. Wm. Robertson's effects in Leicester theatre has been made for rent, the business having been so bad as to compel the manager to close the doors and proceed to Grantham. There however, the company—a very talented one—hag been suffering greatly from the embargo laid on Mr. Robertson's wardrobe We sincerely trust shortly to hear better account of this gentleman's prospects, not merely for the sake of the theatre in Lincoln, but also for the sake of himself and numerous family. Lincolnshire Chronicle - Friday 23 January 1846 page 5 . THE THEATRE> (Fenlandier (talk) 12:23, 19 July 2020 (UTC))

The Amateur Play.—The proceeds of the amateur play, which is to take place in the Lincoln theatre this evening, are to be devoted to the relief of Mr. Robertson, the unfortunate lessee of the theatre. We trust that the efforts of the young men of Lincoln to do something on behalf of Mr. Robertson, bis wife, and numerous family, will meet with that encouragement which they richly deserve. Lincolnshire Chronicle - Friday 06 February 1846 page 5. The Amatur Play. (Fenlandier (talk) 13:23, 19 July 2020 (UTC)) Things going from bad to worse.

User:Fenlandier, sorry, I don't have time to read all this. But you know what to do: Please make the appropriate changes to the article as concisely as possible, while giving full cites, and including only mateial that is directly relevant and encyclopedically important to the life and career of Thomas. Thanks! -- Ssilvers (talk) 07:00, 20 July 2020 (UTC)