Bancroft, Squire, 1841-1926

English actor and theatrical manager.

English actor.

Squire Bancroft (1841-1926), English actor-manager, played hundreds of roles in a theatrical career which spanned over fifty years, and brought him into contact with most of the leading English theatrical figures of his day. Born May 14, 1861, of well-to-do means, Squire Bancroft was educated privately in England and France. He made his stage debut in 1861 at the Theatre Royal, Birmingham, toured the provinces, then made his London debut in 1865 at the Prince of Wales Theatre as Jack Crawley in A WINNING HAZARD, under the management of H. J. Byron and prominent actress Marie Wilton (1839-1921). He married Miss Wilton in 1867, and joined her in theatrical management. Over the next eighteen years, in addition to his management duties, Squire Bancroft played many leading roles in contemporary plays as well as works by Shakespeare and Sheridan. He retired from management in 1885, but continued acting until 1918; he also wrote three books, one in collaboration with his wife. Sir Squire Bancroft died on April 19, 1926, at the age of 84.

English actor and theatre manager.

Squire Bancroft (1841-1926), English actor-manager, played hundreds of roles in a theatrical career which spanned over fifty years, and brought him into contact with most of the leading English theatrical figures of his day.

Born May 14, 1861, of well-to-do means, Squire Bancroft was educated privately in England and France. He made his stage debut in 1861 at the Theatre Royal, Birmingham, toured the provinces, then made his London debut in 1865 at the Prince of Wales Theatre as Jack Crawley in A WINNING HAZARD, under the management of H. J. Byron and prominent actress Marie Wilton (1839-1921). He married Miss Wilton in 1867, and joined her in theatrical management. Over the next eighteen years, in addition to his management duties, Squire Bancroft played many leading roles in contemporary plays as well as works by Shakespeare and Sheridan. He retired from management in 1885, but continued acting until 1918; he also wrote three books, one in collaboration with his wife. Sir Squire Bancroft died on April 19, 1926, at the age of 84.