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Mr. Benjamin Nottingham Webster, actor, dramatist, and manager, died on the 8th inst., at his residence in Church-side, Kennington. Born at Bath about the end of last century, he was sent by his father to a military academy, but in early manhood took to the stage, and, after acting for a short time in the provinces, made his way to London about sixty years ago. He was engaged at the Haymarket in 1829, and became its lessee in 1837. For fifteen years he was the liberal patron of dramatic authors and artists, producing many original plays, for the copyrights of which he is said to have paid £2000 annually, while on one occasion he gave £500 for a prize comedy. Many of the most eminent actors of the clay were closely associated with the fortunes of Mr. Webster and the theatre. He afterwards built the new Adelphi; and still later the Olympic, the Princess's, and St. James's came under his control. We intend to give a Portrait of Mr. Webster.

Source: The Illustrated London News, No.2254—Vol. LXXXI, Saturday, July 15, 1882, p.74