Biography of Thomas Otway 1652-1685
On 03 Mar 1652 Thomas Otway was born in Trotton.
In 1669 Thomas Otway (age 16) entered Christ Church College, Oxford University where he first learned to love books througth his aquaintence with Anthony Carey 5th Viscount Falkland (age 12).
In 1675 Thomas Betterton produced Otway's (age 22) first play Alcibades at the Dorset Garden Theatre.
In 1678 Thomas Otway (age 25) obtained a commission through Charles, Earl of Plymouth (age 21) in a regiment serving in the Netherlands. The English troops were disbanded in 1679, but were left to find their way home as best they could. They were paid with depreciated paper, and Otway arrived in London late in the year, ragged and dirty.
On 14 Apr 1685 Thomas Otway (age 33) died. One account of his death states ... He is said to have emerged from his retreat at the Bull on Tower Hill to beg for bread. A passer-by, learning who he was, gave him a guinea, with which Otway hastened to a baker's shop. He ate too hastily, and choked on the first mouthful.
Before 16 Apr 1685. John Riley (age 39). Portrait of Thomas Otway (deceased).
On 16 Apr 1685 Thomas Otway (deceased) was buried at St Clement Danes.