Letters of John Lawrence Toole (1830-1906)

The correspondence is composed of: letter from Toole at Her Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen, turning down a piece as he has 'no opportunity of producing it all my arrangements being completed for a long time'; and, letter from Toole at Royalty Theatre, Glasgow.

The comedian John Lawrence Toole was born in 1830. His father was J. Toole, a celebrated Toastmaster for many years in the service of the East India Company. The younger Toole was educated at the City of London School and he became a clerk in a wine merchant's office. He entered the stage in 1852 and played in almost every theatre in Britain, appearing in the USA, Australia and New Zealand too. For many years he was the manager of Toole's Theatre, London. John Lawrence Toole died on 30 July 1906.

Generally open for consultation to bona fide researchers, but please contact repository for details in advance.

Among miscellaneous letters, purchased E. Hall, February 1976, Accession no. E76.8.

The biographical/administrative history was compiled using the following material: (1) Who was who - 1897-1916. London: A. and C. Black, 1920.

Compiled by Graeme D Eddie, Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections Division.

Important finding aids generally are: the alphabetical Index to Manuscripts held at Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections and Archives, consisting of typed slips in sheaf binders and to which additions were made until 1987; and the Index to Accessions Since 1987.

Check the local Indexes for details of any additions.

The local Indexes show a reference to another Toole related item (check the Indexes for more details): letter of one Toole (J), to Saker, requesting an order for Mrs. T. and himself 'to witness your pantomime', 7 January 1857, at La.II.425/47, though this item may be of comedian Toole's father.

In addition, the UK National Register of Archives (NRA), updated by the Historical Manuscripts Commission, notes: correspondence and papers (3 boxes), 1850-1907, University of Rochester, Rush Rhees Library; correspondence and papers (125 items), Harvard University, Houghton Library; and, letters (copies), Theatre Museum.