Acting career Peg Woffington

margaret woffington in bed after paralysis, circa 1758.

john rich, manager of covent garden in london, decided start beefsteak club in 1749, known sublime society of steaks or “the club.” of members included garrick , william hogarth, many other london celebrities. not peg woffington first female member of (previously) male dining club, in 1750 became president of club election. educated , supported sister mary (usually known polly), , cared , pensioned mother.

for whatever reason, woffington left garrick in 1744 , moved teddington, house called teddington place. in 1754 became beneficiary of of irish impresario owen swiny. in 1756, performed part of lady randolph in douglas, part found later exponent in sarah siddons.

on 3 may 1757, playing part of rosalind in when collapsed on stage. rallied, never act again, lingering wasting illness until 1760. built , endowed almshouses @ teddington, , buried in st. mary s church, parish church.