Stephen Hammerton English actor Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Apprenticeship
2. Joining the "Children of the Revels"
3. Struggles and Transition to the "King's Men"
4. Roles and Success
5. Court Appointment and Legacy

Early Life and Apprenticeship

Steven Hammerton was born in Hellifield, Yorkshire, to Richard Hammerton. As a young boy, he was apprenticed to William Waverly, a tailor and draper in London.

Joining the "Children of the Revels"

In 1629, actors Richard Gunnell and William Blagrave formed a new boys' acting company, the "Children of the Revels." William Blagrave discovered Hammerton and purchased the remaining nine years of his apprenticeship contract from Waverly. Hammerton's consent was recorded as "of his own free will."

Struggles and Transition to the "King's Men"

The "Children of the Revels" faced financial difficulties due to the closure of theatres during the plague outbreak. Hammerton joined the "King's Men" around 1632, but Blagrave attempted to regain custody of him through legal action, which he lost. Hammerton remained with the "King's Men" until the theaters were closed in 1642 due to the civil war.

Roles and Success

As a young actor, Hammerton played female roles, including Oriana in Fletcher's "The Wild Goose Chase." By the late 1630s, he transitioned to male roles, becoming famous for his portrayal of Amyntor in Fletcher's "The Maid's Tragedy." He gained a reputation as a popular performer, especially among young female audience members.

Court Appointment and Legacy

In 1641, Hammerton and five other members of the "King's Men" were granted positions as Grooms of the Chamber to the King. After the theaters closed in 1642, Hammerton's career faded into obscurity. He is known to have been alive in 1647 when he participated in a dedication for the first printed collection of Fletcher and Beaumont's plays. His subsequent fate is unknown.