Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Bellamy, Thomas Ludford

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1252727Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 04 — Bellamy, Thomas Ludford1885William Barclay Squire

BELLAMY, THOMAS LUDFORD (1770–1843), son of Richard Bellamy [q. v.], was born in St. John's parish, Westminster, in 1770. He learned singing and music from his father and Dr. Cooke, and (when his voice had broken) from Tasca. In 1784 he sang amongst the trebles at the Handel commemoration in Westminster Abbey, and in 1791 he sang in the so-called oratorios at Drury Lane. In 1794 he went to Ireland, as it is generally stated, to manage a nobleman's estate, but it is more probable that his visit was connected with the Irish property which had been bequeathed him by his maternal grandfather in 1776 (Chester's Westminster Registers p. 421). In 1797 he was in Dublin, where he acted as stage manager at the theatre; but in 1800 he bought shares in the Manchester, Chester, Shrewsbury, and Lichfield theatres. Three years later he sold his interest in these undertakings, and became sole proprietor of the Belfast, Londonderry, and Newry theatres. This speculation turning out a failure, he returned to London, where he obtained an engagement to sing at Covent Garden for five years. In 1812 he was engaged for a similar period at Drury Lane. On the expiration of this engagement he started an academy of music on the Logerian system; but this does not appear to have been successful, as in 1819 he obtained the appointment of master of the choir of the Spanish chapel. Two years later he succeeded Bartleman as principal bass singer at the Ancient concerts. Bellamy died 3 Jan. 1843.

[The Georgian Era, iv. 637; Grove's Dictionary, i. 211a; Burney's Account of the Handel Commemoration (1786); Musical Examiner for 7 Jan. 1843.]

W. B. S.