Sarah Siddons, Who?

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The most well known actress of her age, the first of a new class of people we now call "celebrity", and a Brecon born lass.

Up on the street side hangs the 'Mary Siddons Inn' sign. Photograph is in black and white

As the plaque above the inn door says:
1755-1831

Fe'i ganed yn y dafarn hon, yn blentyn hynaf i Sarah (Ward) a Roger Kemble, ac yn actor-rheolwr yn Theatr Drury Lane am y tro cyntaf yn 1775, ac wedi hynny, bu'n teithio drwy'r taleithiau. Dychwelodd i Lundain yn 1782, gan sefydlu'i hunan fel actores drasiedïau heb ei hail yn theatrau'r Georgian a'r Regency. Fe'i claddwyd yn St. Mary's, Paddington.

Born at this Inn, eldest child of Sarah (Ward) and Roger Kemble, actor-manager in a company of Strolling Players. She first acted at Drury Lane Theatre in 1775, and then toured the provinces. Returning to London in 1782, she established herself as the unrivalled tragic actress of the Georgian and Regency theatre. She is buried at St. Mary's, Paddington.

Shoulder of Mutton Inn
Great name for an inn eh 😁

It goes to show just how famous she was, just coz she was born in this pub in Brecon they put up a plaque. She never did anything in Brecon, but those coattails need to be ridden - the beginnings of the 'cult of celebrity' as manifest in a sign.

tbf, reading up about Sara Siddons she was a powerful actor so she deserved the acclaim that came her way.

Day 1
Monmouth - Crickhowell - Brecon - Llandrindod Wells - Elan Valley - Bishop's Castle

47 High St, Brecon LD3 7AP, UK

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