Thomas Doggett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Doggett
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Thomas Doggett on stage
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| Born |
Dublin
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| Died | 20 September 1721 |
| Resting place | St Johns Church, Eltham |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Other names | Thomas Dogget |
| Occupation | Actor |
Thomas Doggett (sometimes spelled Dogget) was an Irish actor. He was born around 1670 in Dublin, Ireland. He passed away on September 20, 1721.
Thomas Doggett's Life Story
Thomas Doggett first appeared on stage in London in 1691. He played a character named Nincompoop in a play called Love for Money. He quickly became popular for his funny roles. He also played Solon in another play, The Marriage-Hater Matched.
Doggett joined a famous actor named Betterton at the Lincoln's Inn Fields theatre. There, he played a special role created just for him: Ben in William Congreve's play Love for Love. This play opened the theatre in 1695. The next year, he starred in his own play, The Country Wake.
He helped manage important theatres like the Theatre Royal, Haymarket and Drury Lane. Doggett continued to perform funny parts until he retired in 1713. People who knew him spoke highly of him. He was mentioned often in famous newspapers of his time, like the Tatler and The Spectator.
Thomas Doggett is buried in the churchyard of St Johns Church in Eltham, London. A special plaque is on the outside of the church to remember him.
The Famous Race: Doggett's Coat and Badge
In 1715, Thomas Doggett started a special race called Doggett's Coat and Badge. He created this race to honor King George I of Great Britain. The King had become ruler on August 1, 1714.
The winner of the race receives a traditional orange coat. This coat has a silver badge on the sleeve. The badge shows the white horse symbol of the House of Hanover and Brunswick. It also has the word "Liberty" on it.
The race takes place every year on August 1st on the River Thames. Six young watermen compete in the race. Watermen are people who work on the river. These watermen must have finished their training within the last year.
The race has changed a bit over time. But it is still held today! It is thought to be the oldest sports event that has happened every year without stopping.
After Doggett passed away, his friends and a clerk from the Admiralty Office took over the race. They asked the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers to manage the prize. The Fishmongers' Company has continued to follow Doggett's wishes for the race ever since.
