The Morning Chronicle Dec 23rd 1820.
Died : On the 11th Instant, at Portsea, Southampton.
George Simpson Young Esq of Pentonville aged 47.
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I have searched for, but as yet not found a marriage record for George & Susannah!Will of George Simpson Young, 1820
TNA ref PROB11/1637
George Simpson Young
All my Property, of every description, at my decease, I give to my wife Susanna Young.
G. S. Young
23 April 182022nd December 1820
Appeared personally James George Young, of No. 38 East Street, Red Lion Square, in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, and Joseph Hobbs, of No. 41 Mortimer Street, Cavendish Square, in the same County, Builder, and being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists made oath that they knew and were well acquainted with George Simpson Young, formerly of Southampton Place, New Road, in the parish of St. Pancras in the County of Middlesex, but late of Kings Row, Pentonville, in the same County, deceased, for some time before and up to the time of his death,
Also with his manner and character of handwriting and subscription, having often seen him write and subscribe his name,
And having now carefully viewed and perused the paper writing hereunto annexed, purporting to be and contain the last will and Testament of the said deceased in the words following,
“All my property, of every description, at my decease, I give to my wife Susanna Young,”
And thus subscribed and dated,
“G. S. Young, 23 April 1820,”
They lastly made oath that they verily and in their consciences believe the whole body, series and contents of the said will to be all of the proper handwriting and subscription of the said George Simpson Young, the Testator, deceased.Jas. G. Young
Joseph HobbsSame day the said James George Young and Joseph Hobbs were duly sworn to the truth of this Affidavit before me,
C. Coote, Surrogate.
Present: Chas. Edward Fenton, Notary Public.
On the 29th of December 1820 Administration (with the will annexed) of the Goods, Chattels and Credits of George Simpson Young, formerly of Southampton Place, New Road, in the Parish of Saint Pancras in the county of Middlesex, and late of Kings Row, Pentonville, in the same County, deceased, was granted to Susanna Young, widow, the Relict and universal Legatee named in the said will, having been first sworn duly to administer.
No Ex[ecut]or.
Exam[ine]d W. Hawkins, Examiner.
Extracts from Penley Family.
"Dr Bill Penley states that Mr William Penley married a Mrs Jackson, But William George Robinson Penley states in a letter written March 18th 1895 that he married a Mrs Johnson, so I have changed her name to Johnson, as I assume he would know whom his grand-father married in his second marriage."
From the said letter: "He subsequently married a Mrs Johnson with whom he (his grand-father William Penley) had considerable fortune."
"My remembrance of her is a very pleasant one. When a boy in London for the possible cure of my deafness, I used to go every Saturday to Kentish Town to spend the day, and I always returned home with 2-/ 6 extra in my pocket. Need I say I spent it?"I am a bit puzzled by use of the title Mrs; be it Jackson or Johnson; she was a widow at the time of her marriage to William Penley, her previous husband being George Simpson Young so she would have been a Mrs Young! Was she married to a Mr Jackson/Johnson prior to her marriage to Mr Young? Or was she in fact a Miss Jackson/Johnson? I have searched for, but as yet not found a marriage record for Susannah to George Simpson Young!
The Times Monday 21st Oct 1822.
Married.
On Saturday last at St.Martin-in-the-fields Wm Penley Esq, of Rathbone Place.
To Susannah, Widow of G.S.Young Esq, late of Pentonville.Will of Susannah Penley, 1835
TNA ref PROB11/1894
Susannah Penley
9This is the last Will and Testament of me, Susannah Penley, wife of William Penley, of Connaught Terrace in the County [of] Middlesex, made by virtue of the power of Appointment reserved to me, in manner hereinafter mentioned.
Whereas under the settlement executed previously to and in contemplation of my marriage, and bearing date the fifteenth day of October one thousand eight hundred and twenty two, certain freehold, Copyhold and leasehold Estates and personal property therein specified and thereby settled or intended so to be, and of which I was previous to my marriage with my said husband seized in possession, reversion or expectancy, or otherwise as in our said settlement was and is expressed, are vested in Richard Faircloth of Saint Albans in the County of Hertford, Samuel Gallaway of the New Road in the County of Middlesex, now deceased, and Mannin George Duke of Chancery Lane in the said County, upon certain trusts for the benefit of myself for my life, and then for the benefit of my said husband during his life, and with the power for me in case of my dying in the lifetime of my said husband to appoint and dispose of the same by any will or writing in the nature of a will, to be executed as therein mentioned, subject to the life Interest of my said Husband therein,
Now I, the said Susannah Penley, in execution of the said power of appointment, and of every or any other power enabling me in this behalf, do by this my last Will and Testament, or writing in the nature of a will, Signed and published by me in the presence of and attested by three Credible persons whose names are hereunder subscribed as witnesses,
Direct and appoint that from and after the decease of my said husband the said Freehold, Copyhold and leasehold and personal Estate and trust premises which by virtue of my said Marriage Settlement I have power to dispose of, devise, bequeath or appoint, shall respectively go, remain and be, and the said Richard Faircloth and Mannin George Duke, their heirs, Executors, Adm[inistrat]ors or assigns, shall stand seized and be possessed of and interested in the same in trust for my said husband William Penley, his heirs, Executors, Adm[inistrat]ors or assigns, and I give, appoint, devise and bequeath the same to him, my said husband, and them, accordingly,
Subject nevertheless to the payment out of the said appointed, devised and bequeathed trust Estates, property and premises in remainder after the decease of my said husband of the following legacies, which I appoint and bequeath to such of the several persons next hereinafter named as legatees who shall be living at the time of the decease of my said husband, and not otherwise, that is to say,
To the said Mannin George Duke of Chancery Lane aforesaid the legacy or sum of Five hundred pounds sterling.
To Francis Perryman of Long Acre, Oysterman, the legacy or sum of one thousand pounds, and I hereby release him, the said Francis Perryman, from the payment of any debt or debts which he may owe to me or my Estate at the time of my decease, and all interest in respect thereof.
Will of Susannah Penley, 1835TNA ref PROB11/1894
To Mary Kilkenny, the Sister of the said Francis Perryman, the legacy or sum of five hundred pounds sterling,
And to Sarah Perryman, another Sister of the said Francis Perryman, the like legacy or sum of five hundred pounds sterling,
And also to Sarah Pepper, Niece of my said husband and now residing with me, the like legacy or sum of five hundred pounds sterling.
I also give and bequeath to Mary Allport, of Strout Place, Hackney Road, the sum or legacy of one hundred pounds sterling,
And to her Sister Eliza Angell Allport the like legacy or sum of one hundred pounds sterling,
And I appoint my said husband William Penley sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament, intending him and only him, his heirs, Executors, Adm[inistrat]ors or assigns to possess the whole of my Property, freehold, Copyhold, leasehold, mortgages, and all other of every description whatsoever, with the exception of the above mentioned legacies.
And I, the said Susannah Penley, hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made, do declare this only to be my last Will and Testament.
In witness whereof I have to this my last Will and Testament or Testamentary Appointment set my hand and seal this twenty second day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty five.Susannah Penley
L[ocus] S[igilli]
[The place of a seal]The writing contained in the above sheet of paper was signed and sealed by the above named Susannah Penley, and by her published and declared as and for her last Will and Testament, in the presence of us who have hereunto, at her request and in her presence, and in the presence of each other, subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
Sarah Thorogood
Ann Rogers
Ann ManserProbate of Will of Susannah Penley, 1838
On the 9th April 1838, Adm[inistrati]on with the will annexed of the Goods, chattels and Credits of Susannah Penley (wife of William Penley) late of Connaught Terrace in the County of Middlesex, deceased, was granted to William Henry Sanley [or Sauley] Penley and Aaron Penley, the Sons and two of the executors of the will of the said William Penley deceased, having been first sworn duly to Administer.
The said William Penley, the lawful husband, sole Executor and Residuary legatee named in the said will and entitled to the personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased over which she had no disposing power, and concerning which she is dead intestate, survived the said deceased but died without having proved the said will, as by acts of Court appears.
England Births and Christenings, 1528-1975, from pilot.familysearch.org, as George Frederic Penley, christened 31 may 1795 in Sevenoaks, Kent, England. Son of William Penley and Frances Mary Ann
England Marriages, 1538-1973, from pilot.familysearch.org, as George Frederick Pendley, and Elizabeth Walters. married 21 jun 1823 in St Marys, Lambeth, Surrey, England
Extract from The Times, Tuesday Jan 26 1819. Being much pleased with one of Mr.W.Penley's children, the Queen* took the little boy under her protection, placed him in a school in Sherbourne** till he attained his 17th year and then gave the youth a commission in the army with 300 guineas to fit him out, which were paid by the late Colonel Disbrowe------Windsor Express.
* The Queen the article relates to was:----- Wife of King George III.
Charlotte of Meckleburg-Strelits born 19th May 1744 died 17th Nov 1818." ** Further research is required into which school George was sent, there is Sherbourne School, in Sherbourne Dorset, and also there was The King's School Sherboune Gloucestershire"
His father mentions George in his will of 1838, as his son Captain George Frederick Penley
now in The East Indies. George was an Officer in the East India Company Army.
According to census info, by the time of his retirement he had obtained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
I will endeavour to search for his service records at The British Library; India Office, in the near future.The Times, Wednesday Feb 07 1855. From The London Gazette of Tuesday Feb 06 1855 Official Appointments and Notices. To be Lieutenant - Colonel's. In The East Indies. Major's----- and others, George Frederick Penley. Bombay Native Infantry.
1851 Census : 11 Ladbrooke Terrace, Kensington.
Visitors to Richard & Isabel Kenedy. George F Penley age 65 Occupation Major H.E.I.C.S. Not in Service. born Sevenoaks. Elizabeth Penley Wife age 56 born Rotherhithe.1861 Census : No 1 Westmorland Villa, Croydon. George F Penley Head age 65 Occupation, Lieutenant Colonel Retired, East I Service. born Sevenoaks. Elizabeth Penley, Wife age 65 born Rotherhithe.
Western Mail 18 & 19 May 1869 Death. On the 14th May, at Croydon, Colonel Penley, late of the Bombay Army, in his 74th year, most deservedly and deeply regretted.
England Marriages, 1538-1973, from pilot.familysearch.org, as George Frederick Pendley, and Elizabeth Walters. married 21 jun 1823 in St Marys, Lambeth, Surrey, England
Ref Penley Family.
Ex Probate. Feb 13th 1891. Regarding Elizabeth Penley, whose estate was valued at £3,492 13/- 7d.
Of 36 Ventnor Villas, Hove, Sussex, widow who died on 11th Jan 1891, at the above address.
Oath of Elizabeth Frances Whitcher(Wife of Warwick William Whitcher) and Elizabeth Catherine Astor, both of 64 Clarendon Villas, Brighton. Spinster and Nieces of the above.
England Births and Christenings, 1528-1975, from pilot.familysearch.org, as Sampson Penley, christened 22 sep 1765 in St Martin in the fields, Westminster, London, England. Son of John Penley and Esther
Prior to my discovery of the book; Penley Family; The lead for the info relating to this Sampson; birth marriage Death dates & parents & 4 siblings and his children comes from a message posted on rootsweb June 2001, the poster was Steven Penley from Colorado U.S.A, the e mail address given is not now used by Steve so I have been unable to contact him to confirm and or to share info. Steve's info came from his family bible which stated that this Sampson Penley's parents were Sampson Penley & Mary Towers, with no mention at all of John Penley & Esther!
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I am finding Sampson's theatrical career rather hard to follow, for the reports of the time quote a Mr Penley appearing here and there without quoting a full name! so they may well be alluding to his brother William Penley, who also was an actor; Also sometimes a Mr S Penley is quoted, again they could be reporting his son, also an actor called Sampson Penley!
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The Times Thurs Dec 22 1825.
News In Brief.
A delicacy for the breakfast-table, which is exhibited for sale at most shell shops in town, denominated Isle of Wight potted shrimps, is prepared at Calais by Penley, the actor, father of the individual of that name at Drury-Lane Theatre. The traffic in this fresh stimulus for English gourmands is, we understand very considerable-------- Evening Paper.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I have yet to find any biographical info relating to this Sampson Penley, except for the rather inaccurate statement written by his grandson L.B.Penley that appears below; & a few lines written by Claude A.A. Penley, a grandnephew, which is also below. There are reports and articles relating to him, both surfing the WWW. and searching The Times Digital Archive, and other historical news paper sites, through these I have found that Sampson was in partnership with fellow comedian John Jonas, they were it seems Proprietors / /Managers of several theatres mainly in the South of England.
Since writing the above and on discovery of the said book, Penley Family. I now know that John Jonas was also Sampson's Brother In Law; John Jonas being married to Sampson's sister Mary Penley born c 1769.
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Google digiized books web site at http://books.google.com/
Ex : Beaten Paths : And Those That Trod Them. By Thomas Colley Grattan*. Published 1867 Chapman & Hall."Gallantry will not allow my ommitting the names of the ladies above reffered to, and to whose assistance we were so much indepted. They were, Mrs. Dawson and her daughter, Miss Penley, Miss Rosina Penley, and Miss Jonas. All actresses of full average merit, and moreover every one extemely good-looking.
More than one of great personal attractions. What or where are they now?
Mr Penley, brother of the (then) young ladies, an accustmed stage manager to his father's Windsor Company, performed those functions for us with great satisfaction."* ( Ex : Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
"Grattan, Thomas Colley (1791–1864), journalist and novelist, was born in Dublin, a younger son of Colley Grattan (1754–c.1815), a Dublin solicitor, later coroner of Kildare.
He was sent to Dublin to study law, which he soon abandoned. The country was at war and he wanted to serve in the army. Two of his brothers were already on active service, but one was killed in Java and the other wounded at Badajos, so his father opposed the idea until the war was over. Grattan had to content himself with a commission in the Louth militia. He planned to fight with Bolívar in South America in 1817, but on his way to Bordeaux to join a French vessel bound for Venezuela he met Eliza Sarah (d. 1870), daughter of John O'Donnel MD, married her, and settled near Bordeaux. His eldest son, Edmund Arnaut, was born in 1818, soon followed by Henry Colley (b. 1819), Albert (b. 1821), and Emma Jane, so he turned to writing to make a living.
The autobiographical Beaten Paths; and those who Trod them appeared in 1862. Grattan died at his home at 117 Jermyn Street, London, on 4 July 1864.")
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Extract from The Times, Monday 8th Aug 1966.
The Little Kenton Theatre.
Henley-on-Thames, one of England's oldest theatres, is fighting for survival.
Built in New Street in 1805 by Sampson Penley and John Jonas, it opened shortly after the Battle of Trafalgar with The School of Reform or How To Rule A Husband.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Extract from Penley Family. From My Memories written by L.B.Penley.
"My grandfather, Sampson Penley, I believe, was one of a firm of ships biscuit makers at Deptford on Thames. He died in 1832 and his wife in 1836, and both were buried at Gravesend. I do not know exactly the number of children my grandfather had, I only know of three sons and three daughters. The sons in order of birth were:- Sampson, Montague John Jackson, and Belville. The daughters (not in order of birth) Rosina, Emma Phoebe. All of them, except Belville, took to the theatrical profession How that came about I cannot tell"
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Extract From The Era News Paper Sat March 2 1889. By Claude A.A.Penley.
A Perservering Manager.
Sir, -my attention has been drawn to the article in The Era Almanack for 1889 entitled "A Perservering Manager," by W.R.Pepper. I do not know from what sources Mr Pepper (with whom I am unacquainted) culled his information; but it contains so many inaccuracies that I venture, as a grandson of the Mr W.Penley therein alluded to, to ask for a small space to correct the same.
There were three brothers-John, who died, I believe at an early age, and had nothing to do with the stage; Samuel (sic) and William. The two latter (Samuel (sic) and William) were both actors, and at one time were well known in London, being attached to Drury Lane. Samuel (sic) was, however the manager, and not William and no doubt he is the Penley alluded to by Mr Pepper, and the one whose Brussels and Parisian experiences he relates.
Samuel (sic) created many well-known low comedy* parts, amongst which I believe was Fathom, in The Hunchback.
* Low comedy [n] - a comedy characterized by slapstick and burlesque.
Burlesque is a direct descendant of the Commedia dell'arte where principal characters would carry a "burle"—a stick with a padded end—with which they would slap the other players for comic effect (the origin of "slapstick" comedy)
A theatrical entertainment of broad and earthy humor; consists of comic skits and short turns (and sometimes striptease)
Burlesques were a popular entertainment in the Victorian era. A burlesque took a well-known play, story, opera or pantomime and satirised it in an exaggerated style with music. Burlesques also featured exaggerated costumes and often the leading actress played in breeches roles, revealing their legs to a scandalised audience. Even political and social events were ‘burlesqued’.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The London Gazette 1st Jan 1822.
INSOLVENT DEBTORS COURT OFFICE,
JVo. 9, Essex-Street, Strand. INSOLVENT DEBTORS COURT OFFICE,
PETITIONS of INSOLVENT DEBTORS, to be heard
At the Guildhall, Dover, in the County of Kent,
on the 24th day of January 1822, at Ten d' Clock
in the Forenoon.Sampson Penley, late of the Town and Port of Dover, in the
County of Kent, Comedian.
The petitions and schedules are filed, and may be
inspected at this Office every Monday, Wednesday,
iaud Friday, between the hours of Ten and Four.—
Two days notice of any intention to oppose any
Prisoner's discharge must be given to such Prisoner
to entitle any Creditor to oppose the same.
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Extract from Penley family. Gravesend Churchyard Monumental Inscription.
Here rest the remains of Sampson Penley who departed this life April 10th 1832.
The Bristol Mercury. Sat Dec 31st 1836
Died at Gravesend, aged 65 Lucy, widow of Mr Penley, formerly manager of the Windsor, Dover and other theatres.
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Extract from Penley Family. Gravesend Churchyard Monumental Inscription.
Also of Lucy his wife who departed this life December 5th 1836.
Jacksons Oxford Journal. Saturday November 23 1822.
Died at Calais, Mr William Penley son of Mr penley, late manager of the Windsor theatre- of rapid consumpsion, in his 19th year.(sic)
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Extract from Penley Family. Gravesend Churchyard Monumental Inscription.
Likewise that of their son William Penley who died and was intered at Calais Oct 28th 1822
aged 21(sic)
England Births and Christenings, 1528, 1975, from pilot.familysearch.org, as Rosina Penley, born 15 may 1796 and was christened 14 dec 1796 in Sevenoaks, Kent, England. Daughter of Sampson Penley and Lucy
1841 Census :Not Found.
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1851 Census : 3 Hauley Road, Islington London.Living with her sister Emma Paull & family. age 54 Occupation Governess. born Sevenoaks Kent.
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1861 Census : Crouch End, Hornsey, London.William Cooper Head age 36 Occupation Artist born Hornsey.
Elizabeth Cooper Wife age 43 born Tutting Staffordshire.
Rosina Penley Visitor age 60 Occupation unclear. born Kent Seven Oaks.
Jane Dakin Visitor age 21 born Tattney Staffordshire.
Harriet M Bird Lodger age 33 born Monmouthshire Wales.
Martha Childs Servant age 30 born Hornsey.
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1871 Census : Moore Lane, Budleigh Salterton, Devon.Henry Edwards Head age 62 Occupation Gentleman born London Middlesex.
Mary S Edwards Wife age 58 born Ditto.
Arthur C Edwards Son age 14 born Ditto.
Rosina Penley Visitor age 74 born Kent Seven Oaks.
Mary Ann Ekers Servant age 20 born Crediton Devon.
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Extract from an article in The Era March 2nd 1889 Written by Claude A.A. Penley
(1st cousin 1 removed)" Samuel (sic) Penley had three sons
Samuel (sic), Montague, and Belville, and two daughters (sic), Fanny (?) (sic), and Rosina. They were all on the stage. Fanny died young, Rosina only recently, considerably over eighty years old. She was a wonderful woman to the last, of commanding figure, and with a lovely voice. She was a magnificent reciter (sic) and a great Shakespearian scholar. I was on the most affectionate and intimate terms with her untill her death, and have listened with the greatest interest to the old theatrical stories she loved to tell and told so well. I always understood that her lady Macbeth was a grand performance, and Talms (sic)**8 the great actor, after witnessing it, paid her the compliment to say that he considered her to be one of the then greatest living actresses. Tate Wilkinson** presented her with the copy of Cymberline used by Mrs Siddons* when studying Imogen, with her notes and business written in her own handwriting, in it stating that he thought in her hands it would be in its most worthy holding. The book is now in my possession".*(Sarah Siddons (1755 - 1831), the outstanding tragic actress of her time, was the daughter of Roger Kemble; she married William Siddons in 1773.)
**( I assume that the Tate Wilkinson 1800-1874 mentioned above, to be the son of John Joseph Tate Wilkinson 1769-1846 Theatre Manager, he was the son of "The Tate Wilkinson" The celebrated Actor /Theatre Manager & Impresario 1739-1803)
***( *François-Joseph Talma was a famous french actor. His memoirs were edited by Dumas.)The history Channel web site www. thehistorychannel co.uk
Talma, François Joseph (1763–1826)
French actor who was favoured by Napolean Bonaparte; he became head of the Théâtre de la République in Paris.Born in Paris, educated in London, he made his debut at the Comédie Française, Paris, 1787. During the French Revolution he became head of the Théâtre de la République (the present Comédie Française), where he played a number of classic roles, and several of Shakespeare's tragic heroes, in translation by Ducis. Napolean took him to Erfurt in 1803 to play before a royal audience, and also consulted him over the new administrative code for the Comédie Française. Talma made many useful reforms in the theatre, particularly in costume, and continued to act until shortly before his death.
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Some Selected Reports from The Windsor and Eton ExpressSaturday, September 5, 1835.
THEATRE ROYAL - The theatre has this week been upon the whole well attended, the selections having been of the first order, and proved very attractive. On Monday "Pizarro" was produced. This is one of Sheridan's best pieces, if indeed it is not the very best, and it has the advantage over most others in this respect that it will bear frequent repetition. The characters are nobly drawn, and the piece is full of affecting and touching incidents. Younge makes a good Rolla, and in some of the scenes he displayed great powers; his address to the Peruvians - itself a master piece of eloquence was delivered with much dignity. Miss Penley's personation of the unhappy Elvira was an admirable performance, and fully justifies our former opinion of her powers. Mr. Wood as Pizarro, and Mr. Maddocks as Alonzo sustained their characters very respectably as did the other performers, but Dodd was sadly out of his place in Orozembo; however, in his serious part he gave as much satisfaction as the remembrance of his low comedy characters would allow. Miss Parsloe executed a very pretty pas seul between the pieces. We have often had to admire this young lady's dancing. There is a graceful ease about her which is highly pleasing, and she evidently endeavours to improve in her art. The entertainment closed with the "Man-of-War's Man, or Tom Cringle's Log," which afforded great amusement. Mr. Penley's performance of Tom Cringle was admirable, and Dodd's Gypsey Jack convulsed the House with laughter. On Tuesday Miss R. Penley took a benefit on which occasion we were glad to see a most respectable attendance, as it showed in what estimation this lady and her performances are held. The selection of pieces was also excellent, viz. "Henriette, the Forsaken, " a comic interlude called "The Purse, or the Benevolent Tax," in which Mr. Penley played a favourite character, and "La Somnambula, or the Phantom of the Village," besides a comic song by Mr. Dodd, and a dance by Miss Parsloe. The acting was generally speaking very good, particularly that of Mr. and Miss Penley. On Wednesday the performances were patronised by Her Royal Highness the Princess Augusta. On Thursday Mr. Dodd took his benefit, and were glad to see that he had a "bumper." The house was crowded to overflow in every part. The performances selected for the evening were exceedingly judicious. In the "Provoked Husband" Mr. Younge and Miss Penley were greatly applauded as Lord and Lady Townly, particularly the latter. Dodd's Squire Richard and Miss Merit's Miss Jenny were highly amusing. After that piece Dodd sang "The Overseer" in which he was encored. But the "Lion" of the evening with the audience was the announced "All round my hat" which Dodd delivered in character, and such a character too ! His appearance was grotesque in the extreme. His long eared companion it appeared refused to play his part, and could only be brought to the side wings, where he stayed while his master sang his lament for his "true love." The performances concluded with the "Climbing Boy," in which Dodd performed Jack Rag, and sang very humorously "Mr. and Mrs. Bubb's journey to Brighton." Last evening the performances were under the patronage of the Members for the Borough, both of whom were present. The House was respectably attended, and the performances went off exceedingly well. We perceive by the advertisements that next week will be last for the season, and we hope the exertions of the Manager to conduce to the public amusement will meet with their due reward. On Monday the "Man of War's Man, or Tom Cringle's Log" will be repeated. On Tuesday the performances will be under the patronage of the Mayor and Corporation; on Wednesday it will be a "bespeak" of the Members of the Windsor and Eton Junior Cricket Club; on Thursday the Officers of the Royal Horse Guards will patronise the House, when their excellent band will attend; on Friday Mr. Penley will take a benefit, which we hope will prove a bumper; and on Saturday, the last evening of the season, the entertainments will be under the patronage of Colonel Milman, and the Officers of the Coldstream Guards.
9th September 1837Theatre Royal
The theatre has this week been much better attended than during the preceding part of the season. On Tuesday night the performances were by the command of Her Majesty, on which occasion there was a very numerous audience, and the performances went off remarkably well. The orchestra was also that evening considerably augmented. On Wednesday Miss Mayoss took her benefit, and we were glad to see that this very pleasing singer had what may be termed a good house. In addition to the other amusements, which were William Tell (in which Mr. Green appeared to great advantage as the hero), and the Poor Soldier, a selection of various pieces of music were admirably performed by Miss Mayoss, Mr. Yarnold and Mr.Moulton. Last evening Miss R. Penley took her benefit, and we were happy to see that her talents were duly appreciated by the public. The selection of pieces for next week (which closes the season) is a most judicious one on the part of the manager. It will be seen, on reference to the advertisement, that on Monday the performance will be under the patronage of the Members of the Borough, on Tuesday Mr.Yarnold will take his benefit; and on Thursday the Mayor and Town council will extend their patronage to the theatre.Saturday, January 11th, 1840.
THEATRE ROYAL.- The bill of fare for Monday evening last, Mr. Dodd's benefit, was a very attractive one, and the performances throughout the evening were loudly applauded by a well filled house. In the comedy of "Sweethearts and Wives," the characters were well sustained by the whole of the performers, but in particular the Billy Lackaday of Mr. Dodd deserves to be spoken of in terms of praise. In the course of the performance of the comedy Mr. Shrivall sang two songs with very great skill and taste. Between the play and the afterpiece, which was the drama of the "Climbing Boy," the audience were highly entertained with the comic singing of Mr. Dodd, particularly with the long standing duett of "When a little farm we keep" by Mr. Dodd and Mrs. Barnett, which was followed by a song by Miss Wilkinson, dancing by Miss Barnett, and a scene in character from the opera of Fra Diavolo by Mr. Shrivall. The Climbing Boy was in a very talented manner represented by the younger sister of Miss Cooke, but described in the play bills as Miss Georgina. The audience appeared highly delighted at the perfect manner in which this youthful actress, who we believe is not 12 years of age, went through her part in the piece. The next leading character in the drama, was that of Jack Ragg, personated to the letter by Mr. Dodd, who convulsed the house with laughter at his drollery; as did Mr. Williams as Jack Buzzard.- Tuesday, the play of the "Iron Chest" was produced, and was succeeded by the renowned "Jack Sheppard," which piece was performed, as announced, for the last time this season. On Wednesday, Mr. and Mrs. Maddocks took their benefit, and we regret to add they were not patronised to the extent to which their talents entitle them; the pieces selected were "William Tell," and the drama of "102." In the former, Mr. Maddocks, as William Tell, ably supported his character, as did Miss R. Penley, as Emma, his wife; the part of Albert being performed by the younger Miss Cooke - Thursday's performances were for benefit of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, and other persons connected with the Theatre. The laughable piece of the "Dancing Barber," and the musical interlude of "No !" followed by a "Dream at Sea," were selected for the evening's entertainments. In the latter piece, the characters of Launce Lynwood, by Mr. Maddocks, Black Ralph, by Mr. M. King, the Alley Croaker, of Mr. Dodd, and the Tom Tinkle of Mr. Williams in particular, were ably sustained.- Yesterday evening the performances were characterised by a novelty in the appearance of a "Star" of some magnitude, in the person of Mr. Sheridan Knowles. Mr. Knowles is no less celebrated as an actor then as an author, whose pieces have justly attained considerable popularity. We were surprised and grieved to see such a thin attendance on this occasion, particularly when so many persons in Windsor exclaim that if the manager were to introduce "stars," he would be better supported in his undertaking. Now we deny that any just cause of complaint on this head exists; for in addition to the performance of Mr. S. Knowles last night, we had, during the last and previous seasons, some of the most celebrated performers of the day engaged, and the audiences were not sufficiently numerous to compensate the manager for the additional expenses thus incurred. We had hoped that on the first appearance, last night, of Mr. Sheridan Knowles, there would have been what is termed a "good house," but such was not the case. With respect to the acting of the piece, the performers did their duty. We need not say that Mr. Knowles entered into the spirit of the author, as they were one, and the same person. He displayed that to great advantage. Miss Rosina Penley played the part of Julia most admirably; indeed, we never saw her in a character more suited to her talents. The Sir Thomas Clifford of Mr. Maddocks was excellent, especially in the earlier part of the piece. The Lord Tinsel of Mr. Williams was ably performed. Mr. Dodd as Fathom, was, as usual, irresistible. Miss Cooke supported the character of Helen in a style that repeatedly called forth the plaudits of the house. After the play Miss Barnett, as usual, danced a pas seul, in which also, as usual, she was deservedly encored. The "Dancing Barber" closed the evening's entertainments.- This evening Mr. Knowles's will sustain the character of Huon. The afterpiece is Mr. Knowles's play of "William Tell," the chief character of which will be represented by Mr. Sheridan Knowles himself, and Albert, his son, will be performed by Miss Cooke, the younger. It will be seen by the theatrical advertisement, that the nights performances next week are limited to three. On Monday, Colonel Greenwood and the Officers of the 2nd Regiment of Life Guards patronise the performances, and the excellent band of that Regiment will attend.- On Wednesday, the very respected stage manager (Mr. Williams) takes his benefit, and we trust that the public will mark their sense of his exertions in that important department of theatrical business, as well as in his capacity of a talented performer, by their support on that occasion. The Theatre closes for the season on Friday evening next.
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Tyneside Family History.Theaters. website1837 Febuary 20, The New Theatre Royal, Newcastle, was opened for the first time by Mr Montague penley with "The Merchant of Venice," and "to the young widow," and was attended by a very crowded audience, the principal part has been taking by Messrs a R. Young, Lacy, Lesley, Corrie, and Miss.R. Penley. An opening address was written by Thomas Doubleday esq., was delivered by Mr.Griffiths.
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Ex : Beaten Paths : And Those That Trod Them. By Thomas Colley Grattan*. Published 1867 Chapman & Hall."Gallantry will not allow my ommitting the names of the ladies above reffered to, and to whose assistance we were so much indepted. They were, Mrs. Dawson and her daughter, Miss Penley, Miss Rosina Penley, and Miss Jonas. All actresses of full average merit, and moreover every one extemely good-looking.
More than one of great personal attractions. What or where are they now?
Mr Penley, brother of the (then) young ladies, an accustmed stage manager to his father's Windsor Company, performed those functions for us with great satisfaction."* ( Ex : Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
"Grattan, Thomas Colley (1791–1864), journalist and novelist, was born in Dublin, a younger son of Colley Grattan (1754–c.1815), a Dublin solicitor, later coroner of Kildare.
He was sent to Dublin to study law, which he soon abandoned. The country was at war and he wanted to serve in the army. Two of his brothers were already on active service, but one was killed in Java and the other wounded at Badajos, so his father opposed the idea until the war was over. Grattan had to content himself with a commission in the Louth militia. He planned to fight with Bolívar in South America in 1817, but on his way to Bordeaux to join a French vessel bound for Venezuela he met Eliza Sarah (d. 1870), daughter of John O'Donnel MD, married her, and settled near Bordeaux. His eldest son, Edmund Arnaut, was born in 1818, soon followed by Henry Colley (b. 1819), Albert (b. 1821), and Emma Jane, so he turned to writing to make a living.
The autobiographical Beaten Paths; and those who Trod them appeared in 1862. Grattan died at his home at 117 Jermyn Street, London, on 4 July 1864.")
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Ref Penley Family. From a letter written 1895 by W.G.R Penley (1st cousin once removed)Ex :" I also knew your Aunt Phoebe, Aunt Rosina, and Aunt Emma, the latter of whom I think married a doctor.*
While the other two were on the stage, I only remember them, however, playing at Covent Garden, under the Management of Madame Vestris.** (see her sister, Emily Penley's notes)
They entually lived at Crouch End, and I often, with my sister, went to see them."*( Henry J Paull. he was an accountant! )
England Births and Christenings, 1528-1975, from pilot.familysearch.org, as Phoebe Penley, christened 18 jan 1795 in Minster, Kent,, England. Daughter of Sampson Penley and Lucy
It is supposed that at sometime, like her brother's and sister's that she was an actor / actress, but as was the norm of the time, any reports, castl ists, or play bills, simply state a Miss Penley, and not usually a full name, so it is hard to sort out which member of the Penley family is being alluded to.
Emma, on all the census info that I have found, has at no time stated her occupation as being that of an actress!
Indeed going by the reports as written below it does seem that folks took it that there were only two actess sister's Penley ! ------ I believe the other sister when mentioned with a Miss R Penley to be Phoebe Penley and not Emma !
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1841 Census : no 39 Passock Street, Gravesend, Kent.
Phoebe Penley age 35 of independent means Yes born in same county.
Phoebe is living with her sister Emma Penley age 25 but no relationship is shown.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Extract from Penley family. Gravesend Churchyard Monumental Inscription.
To the above remains are added those of Phoebe Penley daughter of Sampson & Lucy Penley who died on the 17th june 1842 aged 46 years.
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Google digiized books web site at http://books.google.com/
Ex : Beaten Paths : And Those That Trod Them. By Thomas Colley Grattan*. Published 1867 Chapman & Hall."Gallantry will not allow my ommitting the names of the ladies above reffered to, and to whose assistance we were so much indepted. They were, Mrs. Dawson and her daughter, Miss Penley, Miss Rosina Penley, and Miss Jonas. All actresses of full average merit, and moreover every one extemely good-looking. More than one of great personal attractions. What or where are they now?
Mr Penley, brother of the (then) young ladies, an accustmed stage manager to his father's Windsor Company, performed those functions for us with great satisfaction."* ( Ex : Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
"Grattan, Thomas Colley (1791–1864), journalist and novelist, was born in Dublin, a younger son of Colley Grattan (1754–c.1815), a Dublin solicitor, later coroner of Kildare.
He was sent to Dublin to study law, which he soon abandoned. The country was at war and he wanted to serve in the army. Two of his brothers were already on active service, but one was killed in Java and the other wounded at Badajos, so his father opposed the idea until the war was over. Grattan had to content himself with a commission in the Louth militia. He planned to fight with Bolívar in South America in 1817, but on his way to Bordeaux to join a French vessel bound for Venezuela he met Eliza Sarah (d. 1870), daughter of John O'Donnel MD, married her, and settled near Bordeaux. His eldest son, Edmund Arnaut, was born in 1818, soon followed by Henry Colley (b. 1819), Albert (b. 1821), and Emma Jane, so he turned to writing to make a living.
The autobiographical Beaten Paths; and those who Trod them appeared in 1862. Grattan died at his home at 117 Jermyn Street, London, on 4 July 1864.")
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ref Penley Family. From a letter written 1895 by W.G.R Penley (1st cousin once removed)
Ex :" I also knew your Aunt Phoebe, Aunt Rosina, and Aunt Emma, the latter of whom I think married a doctor.*
While the other two were on the stage, I only remember them, however, playing at Covent Garden, under the Management of Madame Vestris.** (see her sister, Emily Penley's notes)
They entually lived at Crouch End, and I often, with my sister, went to see them."*( Henry J Paull. he was an accountant! )
From The Era News Paper Sat March 2 1889. witten by Claudde A. A. Penley (1st cousin once removed)Ex : Samuel (sic) Penley had three sons
Samuel (sic), Montague, and Belville, and two daughters (sic), Fanny (?)* (sic), and Rosina. They were all on the stage. Fanny died young, Rosina only recently, considerably over eighty years old.*( He had infact, three daughters !, I am not too sure, but I take it, that, the one known to Claude, as Fanny, is Phoebe?; She was the first of the sisters to be deceased ! )
England Marriages, 1538-1973, from pilot.familysearch.org, as Sampson Penley, and Mary Towers married 21 apr 1754 in Saint Martin in the Fields, Westminster, London, England
Sources Ref. The Book; Penley Family of Gloucestershire & Sampson Penley of London.
Written, Printed, & Distributed, By Frank & Elaine Hall, 10 Lord Hobart Crescent, Encounter Bay, 5211, South Australia. Email fwemhall@bigpond.com.
Referred to throughout this family history as '"Penley Family"
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I have estimated Sampson's year of birth to as if he was 21 years of age at the time of his first marriage to Sarah Harris!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------There seems to be only conjectured info as to the origin of Sampson, and not any at all regarding to who his parents were!
Although there is a possibility his roots may lay in Cornwall, or Devon or Gloucestershire!Ref Quotes from the above book.
From My Memories, written by Lionel Banks Penley 1829-1911 An 2 x Gt Grandson.
"but the family came originally from Cornwall, their name then being Penly or Penley. The crest of the family still exists. It is a "Lions head erased, gules, ducally crowned or". And so, the family, long, long ago appears to have been noble, and leaders of men. But beyond the crest there is no record whatever good or bad. However the name Penly or Penley is still an uncommon name in the world." In a letter written dated March 18th 1895 by William George Robinson Penley 1823-1902 An 2x Gt Grandson of Sampson, he states- my mother was an Irish girl, she was born in Bloomsbury though, and as she was of the same name, doubtless connected with the charming Judy Callaghan,* so that I am Cornish by my grandfather, French by my grandmother and Irish through my mother"
(*see his mother's; Magaretta Callaghan's notes)"Rev R.D.Penley of Saskatchewan Canada on July 9th 1973 wrote- There is no doubt about the Cornish origin of the family because of the repeated Christian name of Sam(p)son . The late Reginald Herbert Penley, solicitor, of Dursley, Gloucestershire, told me that there was a tradition in the family that they came originally from Cornwall. I have a number of vital records taken from parish registers in eastern Cornwall and the Christian name Sam(p)son is one of the most common the male names.
Our line goes back to John Penley of Horsley Gloucestershire, who lived there in the early 1600's. However I am of the opinion that both families were of Cornish origin but we have never discovered the missing link!"
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Regarding the information given by L.B.Penley in his memoir, alluding to this Penley families crest, I assume then, that a Coat of Arms was at sometime granted to an ancestor or relative of this particular Penly/Penley family, if this is the case The College of Arms, London. may be able to determine the origins/parentage of Sampson.
However saying this, I once in the past made an enquirie to the college, for the benefit of my own research into an ancestor of mine, but their research/finding fee's, worked out so astronomically high, I passed, at the idea.
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Since writing the above, I have been in contact with Mary Penley Edwards, a Gt Granddaughter of W.S. Penley, she brought to my attention that her father A.D.Penley Edwards has written an autobiography
" From the Globe To London Bridge. " Published by The Book Guild Ltd, 25 High Street, Lewes, Sussex.
ISBN 1 85776 294 0.
Here following is an extract from the said book :" The Penley's originated in Cornwall and devoloped into three main branches; the Cornish, Gloucestershire and London. Some also emigrated to America and Canada and it is now difficult to trace their lineage. Somewhere in the dim distant past there was even a Penley duke. but all we have discovered so far is a picture of his ducal coronet in the archives of the College of Heralds. The London Penley's have a long tradition in the theatre and there are playbills which show them appearing in several plays at the Theatre Royal, Dury Lane, in 1813, 1817, 1822 and 1823. These are all descended from Samson Penley born 1735 (sic), who had five children (sic) "
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The I.G.I. Has..1 SAMPSON PENLEY - International Genealogical Index - British Isles
Gender: Male Christening: 10 MAR 1646 Linkinhorne, Cornwall, England
2. SAMPSON PINLEY - International Genealogical Index - British Isles
Gender: Male Marriage: 24 DEC 1784 Ashburton, Devon, England
3. Samson PENLEY - International Genealogical Index - British Isles
Gender: Male Birth: About 1615 Plymstock, Devon, England
4. Samson Penley - International Genealogical Index - British Isles
Gender: Male Birth: About 1615 Falmouth, , Yorkshire, England
5. SAMSON PENLEY - International Genealogical Index - British Isles
Gender: Male Christening: 20 DEC 1618 Horsley, Gloucester, England
6. Samson PENLEY - International Genealogical Index - British Isles
Gender: Male Birth: About 1641 Plymstock, Devon, England
7. Samson Penley - International Genealogical Index - British Isles
Gender: Male Birth: About 1643 Falmouth, Cornwall, England
8. SAMPSON PENLY - International Genealogical Index - British Isles
Gender: Male Marriage: 11 AUG 1700 Linkinhorne, Cornwall, EnglandName as Samson Penley, widower, married Mary Towers, at St Martin in the Fields, London, on 20 apr 1754
England Births and Christenings, 1528, 1975, from pilot.familysearch.org, as Rebecca Penley, christened 9 jun 1734 in Saint Martin in the Fields, Westminster, London,, London, England. Son of Sampson Penley and Sarah