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cc00108

Wm Henry West Betty

J.Northcote R.A. (artist)‎

Engraving of William West Betty as a young man with ruffles and waist coat. The original painting was painted by J Northcote esq RA and engraved by J.Ward (painter and engraver to HRH the Prince of Wales); Wm Henry West Betty aesatis sllae 13 from the first and only original portrait in the possesion of Tho. Lister Pa..... Published March 16th 1803 .M Bettyat messr. colnaghi & Co. Cockspur Street.

BETTY, William Henry West (1791-1874), English actor, known as "the young Roscius," He first appeared on the stage at Belfast before he was twelve years old. His success was immediate. He became a famous child prodigy earning a fortune. But this enthusiasm gradually subsided, and in 1808 he made his final appearance as a boy actor, and entered Christ's College, Cambridge. He was a Fellow Commoner 1808 resided until 1810. He came to Cambridge as an acting celebrity. He re-appeared four years later, but the public would have none of him, and he retired to the enjoyment of the large fortune which he had amassed as a prodigy. He died on the 24th of August 1874. His son Henry Betty (1819-1897) was also an actor. [Encyclopaedia Britannica].

1803

William Henry West Betty was a Fellow Commoner of Christ's. Born 1791 portrait painted when he was 13.

19th century