Thomas Elrington

Thomas Elrington (1688–1732), was an English actor. Biography Elrington was born in 1688 in London, near Golden Square, was apprenticed by his father, who 'had the honour to serve the late Duke of Montagu', to a French upholsterer in Covent Garden. His associate, William Chetwood, tells many stories of the difficulties that beset them in their joint attempts at amateur performances. Through the introduction of Theophilus Keene, an actor of reputation, Elrington seems to have made his way on to the stage. His first appearance took place 2 December 1709 at Drury Lane, as Oroonoko. He subsequently acted Captain Plume in the Recruiting Officer the ghost in Œdipus, Cribbage in the Fair Quaker, etc. In the summer he played with William Penkethman at Greenwich, taking characters of importance. During 1710–12 he remained at Drury Lane. In 1712 Elrington was engaged by Joseph Ashbury, the manager of the Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin, at which house he appeared, taking from the first leading parts in tragedy and comedy — The History of Timon of Athens the Man-hater in Thomas Shadwell's alteration of Shakespeare, Colonel Blunt in Sir Robert Howard's The Committee, or the Faithful Irishman, Lord Townly in The Provoked Husband etc. In 1713 Elrington married Francis (born 1679), daughter of Ashbury, after whose death he succeeded to the management of the theatre. He obtained also Ashbury's appointments of deputy-master of the revels and steward of the king's inns of court. A post in the Quit-rent Office was also given him, and by Lord Mountjoy he was made "gunner to the train of artillery", a post of some emolument, which subsequently he was allowed to sell. Under his management Smock Alley Theatre prospered, and he enjoyed high social and artistic consideration.