User:RLamb/Sandbox

Legacy
What was unique about his acting? Did he influence other or subsequent actors? Did awareness of his talents prompt a change in the type of stage work writers (e.g. W.S. Gilbert, Planche) produced?

Personal life
Robson's early career was characterised by low earnings and long absences, and his marriage came under strain. Some time after the birth of their second child in 1846 the couple appear to have separated, as Rosetta and the two children did not accompany him when he went to Ireland. But the family seems not to have been entirely estranged: young Frederick later recalled visiting his grandmother while his father was in Ireland, and Robson brought both children, although not his wife, to live with him when he returned to London. While separated both Robson and his wife seem to have formed other attachments : early in 1861 the actor was living at 19 Ampthill Square with a Mrs Sarah Emma Manly, who appears on the census return as 'Mrs Robson'. Very shortly after this however Mrs Manly departed and Rosetta Robson returned, as a result of efforts by the eldest son, Frederick, to reconcile his parents. She remained with Robson thereafter until his death.

Soon after Rosetta returned she brought a boy about eight, referred to as her nephew Edwin May, to live at the family home. Edwin made some appearances as a child actor alongside Robson during the latter's final years, under the stage name 'Edwin May Robson'. When Edwin was 25, still acting under the name Edwin May Robson, Rosetta swore an affidavit to the effect that he was her legitimate son by her husband. She stated that Robson had still visited her during their separation and on one of these occasions Edwin was conceived, although his birth had not been registered. Other witnesses however signed papers to the effect that they had known Edwin May Robson during his childhood and that he had always addressed Frederick Robson as 'uncle'; that Robson had never acknowledged him as his son; and that though Robson had made provision for his children Frederick and Frances in his will, he had made no mention of Edwin.