Author: Eyre, Edmund John
Biography:
EYRE, Edmund John (1767-1816: ODNB)
The son of a Cambridgeshire clergyman, Ambrose Eyre, he was sent to the Merchant Taylors' School and then to Pembroke College, Cambridge, but he left the university without a degree to try his fortunes in the theatre. He was a competent actor, working mainly in playhouses outside London. He made his mark as a versatile playwright, author of comedies, adaptations (notably of Scott's Lady of the Lake, 1811), and at least one tragedy, The Maid of Normandy. In 1793 he married an actress, Elizabeth Bolton, but in 1804 he left her for another actress, a Miss Smith, whom he may also have married, and with whom he had several children. They acted together in Edinburgh until his death; she remained with the Theatre Royal company until at least 1820. When he applied to the RLF from the King's Bench Prison for assistance on 30 Nov. 1813, he mentioned six dependent children. Henrietta Eyre acknowledged receipt of £15 on 20 Jan. 1814 but it was not until after payment of the final instalment that Eyre wrote in person to announce his release. (ODNB 26 Nov. 2018; RLF #308) HJ
Other Names:
- E. Eyre