Margaret Saunders or Mrs Saunders (born 1686 - c. 1748) was a British actress.

Margaret Saunders
Born1686
Diedc. 1748
London
NationalityBritish

Life

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Saunders was born in Weymouth and attended a boarding school in Wiltshire before being apprenticed by a milliner. At the age of sixteen she began her acting career at Drury Lane Theatre due to an introduction by her lifelong friend Anne Oldfield.

In 1708 and 1709 she was billed "Mrs Saunders" for her performances at Drury Lane. but it appears that she never married as she was declared a spinster when she died.[1] Saunders appeared in many significant roles. Her comedy appearances were celebrated at a benefit performance in 1747 at the Theatre Royal. Saunders did not appear as she had been unable to leave her house for a year and a half.[2]

Selected roles

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References

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  1. ^ Highfill, Philip H. Jr.; Burnim, Kalman A.; Langhans, Edward A. (1991). A biographical dictionary of actors, actresses, musicians, dancers, managers & other stage personnel in London, 1660-1800. Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press. p. 214. ISBN 0809315254.
  2. ^ "Saunders, Margaret" . Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.