Lucretia Bradshaw facts for kids

Lucretia Bradshaw was a well-known English actress who performed on stage between 1714 and 1741. She was often called Mrs. Bradshaw during her acting career. A famous theater expert, Thomas Betterton, wrote in his 1741 book A History of the English Stage that Mrs. Bradshaw was one of the most promising and talented performers of her time.

Lucretia Bradshaw said she learned a lot from another great actress, Elizabeth Barry. She learned to truly understand her characters. She also learned to let her natural feelings guide her movements and expressions on stage. This helped her performances feel real and powerful.

Early Career and Notable Roles

Lucretia Bradshaw began her acting journey in the early 1700s. In 1710, she played the main character in a play called Elfrid. This play was written by Aaron Hill. She was known for taking on various roles in different plays.

Selected Stage Performances

Here are some of the plays and characters Lucretia Bradshaw brought to life:

• Sylvia in The Double Gallant by Colley Cibber (1707)
• Mrs Gripe in The Woman Captain by Thomas Shadwell (1710)
• Arabella Zeal in The Fair Quaker of Deal by Charles Shadwell (1710)
• Elfrid in Elfrid by Aaron Hill (1710)
• Viola in The City Ramble by Elkanah Settle (1711)

Marriage and Family Life

In 1714, Lucretia Bradshaw married Martin Folkes. He was a very smart man who studied old coins, math, and stars. Their wedding took place on September 18, 1714, at St Helen's church in London. After they married, Lucretia left the stage. People said she was a very sensible and well-behaved person. Thomas Betterton wrote that their marriage was very happy.

Children of Lucretia and Martin

Lucretia and Martin Folkes had three children together:

• Dorothy (born in 1718)
• Martin (born in 1720, who passed away in 1740)
• Lucretia (born in 1721, who passed away in 1758 and later married Richard Betenson)

Later Life and Legacy

In March 1733, Lucretia and her family traveled through Germany and Italy. When they were in Rome, she started to experience some health challenges. After returning to London in 1735, she received care for her health in Chelsea. She passed away there in 1755. Her husband, Martin Folkes, passed away in 1754. He made sure she would have money to live comfortably for the rest of her life.

Thomas Betterton's book, which mentioned Lucretia Bradshaw, also included information about other famous actresses. It had a special chapter about "Some account of Mrs Guyn, Mrs Porter, Mrs Bradshaw." This chapter talked about Nell Gwyn, Mary Porter, and Lucretia Bradshaw. This shows how important Lucretia Bradshaw was in the history of English theater.