Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Heard, William

by Gordon Goodwin ‎

HEARD, WILLIAM (fl. 1778), poet and dramatist, was the son of a bookseller of Piccadilly, and was educated for the medical profession. Unfortunately he betook himself to play-writing, and brought out two feeble dramas:

1. ‘The Snuff Box; or, A Trip to Bath,’ a comedy in two acts, performed at the Haymarket in 1775.
2. ‘Valentine's Day,’ a musical drama in two acts, performed for only one night at Drury Lane on 22 March 1776 at Mr. Reddish's benefit, and printed anonymously (cf. Genest, v. 493).

Still more deplorable is a volume of poems entitled ‘A Sentimental Journey to Bath, Bristol, and their Environs; a descriptive Poem. To which are added Miscellaneous Pieces,’ 4to, London, 1778. Heard died on the coast of Africa at the age of thirty-four. His wife and daughter were both actresses.

[Baker's Biographia Dramatica, ed. 1812, i. 322, iii. 284, 375; Brit. Mus. Cat.]

G. G.