Charles Killigrew

Background

Born at Maastricht on 29 December 1655, he was son of Thomas Killigrew the elder, by his second wife, Charlotte, daughter of John de Hesse of Holland.

Career

He was gentleman of the privy chamber to Charles II, 1670, James II, 1685, and William and Mary, 1689. Killigrew lived at Somerset House, London, and Thornham Hall, Suffolk. His library was sold in the December following.

Achievements

• He was Master of the Revels in 1680, patentee of Drury Lane Theatre in 1682, and commissioner of prizes in 1707. His varied acquirements won him the friendship of John Dryden (cf Dedication of Juvenal, 1693, p xxiii), Humphrey Prideaux, and others