Joseph Cradock facts for kids

Joseph Cradock (1741/2 – 1826) was an English writer, book collector, and amateur actor. He was also a member of the Society of Antiquaries (FSA).

Joseph Cradock's Life

Early Years

Joseph Cradock was born in Leicester on January 9, 1741/2. He was the only son of Joseph Cradock, who lived in Leicester and Gumley. When he was a child, he received a smallpox inoculation. This was unusual at the time, and his father even faced threats from angry crowds.

Joseph's mother passed away in 1749. His father later married Anne Ludlam, who had two brothers who were famous mathematicians. Joseph went to Leicester Grammar School. After his father died in 1759, Joseph went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He loved the theater and London life. He left Cambridge without taking his final exams.

Life in London

In 1765, Joseph Cradock married Anna Francesca Stratford. She was the third daughter of Francis Stratford from Merivale Hall. During their honeymoon, he received a special Master of Arts degree from the Chancellor of Cambridge University.

He bought a house in the popular Dean Street area of Soho, London. He became friends with many famous writers and thinkers. He also loved going to plays. In 1766, his friend Richard Farmer dedicated his famous book, Essay on the Learning of Shakespeare, to Joseph.

Joseph later moved to a large house he built in Gumley. This house was very expensive. He served as the High Sheriff of Leicestershire in 1766 and again in 1781. In 1768, he became a member of the Society of Antiquaries.

Acting and Social Life

Joseph enjoyed putting on plays at his home in Gumley. The famous actor David Garrick even offered to play a role in one of his shows. In 1769, Joseph took part in a big celebration for William Shakespeare in Stratford.

He also collected many books and enjoyed designing gardens. His book Village Memoirs (1774) shared his ideas on gardening, religion, and life. Joseph was also skilled in music. He often visited Lord Sandwich's home, where they enjoyed music together.

He supported music events in Leicester that started in 1771. These events helped raise money for a local hospital. In 1774, a special song written by Joseph was performed. Famous people like Lord Sandwich and Omai, a visitor from Tahiti, were in the audience.

Writing Career

In 1771, Joseph's play, Zobeide, was performed at Covent Garden. It was based on a play by Voltaire and was a success. Voltaire even sent Joseph a thank-you note in 1773.

In 1773, Joseph wrote a short book about John Wilkes. This was after a group of Wilkes's supporters broke his windows in Dean Street. In 1777, he published An Account of some of the most Romantic Parts of North Wales. This book described his trip to Snowdon in 1774.

Later Years

From 1783 to 1786, Joseph traveled through France and Holland. His wife's health was not good at the time. After they returned, Joseph's own health made him step back from social life. However, he still helped with local projects.

In 1815, he published Four Dissertations, Moral and Religious. His wife passed away on December 25, 1816. In his later years, he was very close friends with John Nichols, who was an expert on old things.

In 1821, Joseph published a short novel called Fidelia. It was a story against gambling. In 1823, he faced financial difficulties. He had to sell his home and his book collection. He then moved to London and lived on a small income.

In 1824, he published his play, The Czar. This play had been rehearsed 50 years earlier but never performed. It was well-received, so he published his Literary and Miscellaneous Memoirs in 1826. A second volume, including his travel stories, followed.

Joseph Cradock died in the Strand on December 15, 1826. He was known for his acting talent and lively personality. His friend, George Dyer, said Joseph was generous and lived a very healthy lifestyle. He ate simple foods like turnips, roasted apples, and coffee, and never drank wine. He lived to be 84 years old.