George Holland

George Holland (1791–1870) was an English American stage actor, born in London, 6 December 1791. Early life His father was a tradesman. As a boy he was first sent to preparatory schools in Lambeth, and afterward to a boarding-school. He did not prove a devoted student; he was more remarkable for his pranks than for his proficiency in learning. Because of this Holland was taken home by his father and set to work in the silk and ribbon warehouse of Messrs. Hill & Newcombe, on Wood Street, in Cheapside, London. Prior to beginning to work, though, he had a six weeks long vacation during which he had his first experience on the stage at Astley's Amphitheatre. He was delighted by the activities that he experienced. His work with the silk mercers passed six months, selling silk and ribbons and "silk" hats, the latter articles having then only just come into fashion. Other ventures passed by, and at the age of nineteen George was apprenticed to Mr. Thomas Davison, of Whitefriars, to learn the trade of printer, and in a vain pursuit of skill in which vocation he spent two years. He was a vigorous young man who was a member of a boat club, he could—and frequently did—row from London Bridge to Richmond and back again, twenty miles (32 km) each way. Young Holland's way of life was unfit for the printing business, and when twenty-one years of age he was fortunate enough to get his indentures cancelled. Bobbin lace business He wandered to Liverpool, then to Dublin in 1816 where, at the age of 25, he established a business to sell bobbin lace, manufactured in Nottingham. His shop was in Crow street, Dublin, near the Crow Street Theatre, and immediately opposite to a favorite haunt of jolly boys (topers), called Peter Kearney's Inn. To that resort, Holland frequently repaired, and there he made many theatrical acquaintances. The bobbin lace business lasted six months, when Holland settled his affairs, and returned to England to embark on a theatrical career which continued, through many vicissitudes of fortune, for the rest of his life. Acting on stage The first engagement that Holland secured was made with Mr. Samuel Russell, familiarly known as "Jerry Sneak Russell," the stage-manager for Robert William Elliston. Following that engagement Elliston offered a second engagement at Birmingham Theatre. On 19 May 1817, the theatre opened with "Bertram" and "The Broken Sword," with him in the role of Baron in the latter play.