Thomas Boyce (dramatist) facts for kids

Thomas Boyce (born around 1732, died 1793) was an English church leader and a writer who created plays. He lived a long time ago, in the 1700s.

The Life of Thomas Boyce

Thomas Boyce was born in a place called Swanton in Norfolk, England. His father, John Boyce, was a brewer, which means he made beer.

Thomas went to school in Norwich and Scarning. He then studied at Caius College, Cambridge, which is a famous university. He earned his first degree in 1754 and a master's degree in 1767.

In 1755, he became a deacon, which is a type of church minister. He worked as a curate in Cringleford in 1768. Later, he became the rector of Worlingham, Suffolk, starting in 1780. He stayed there until he passed away. He also worked as a chaplain for a nobleman, the Earl of Suffolk.

Thomas Boyce died on February 4, 1793, when he was about 61 years old.

What Thomas Boyce Wrote

Thomas Boyce was known for his writings. He wrote a book of poetry called A specimen of Elegiac Poetry in 1773.

He also wrote one tragedy play called Harold. This play was published in London in 1786, but it was never performed on a stage. In the introduction to his play, Thomas Boyce mentioned that he didn't know another writer, Richard Cumberland, was also working on a play about the same subject at the same time for the Drury Lane theatre.

You can find a copy of his play online: Harold: a tragedy, by Thomas Boyce, (London 1786).