Thomas Taplin Cooke Jr., circus director in United Kingdom Born 1782 in United Kingdom dead 1866 in United Kingdom , son of director Thomas Cooke Sr. . Thomas Taplin Cooke was born in Warwick in 1782 the son of Thomas Cooke and his wife, Mary Ann. He took over his father's circus around 1810. In the autumn of 1830, following a pleasurable visit from King William IV and Queen Adelaide, the company adopted the name "Royal Circus" and retained this name for the remainder of their existence. In 1836 he chartered "The Royal Stuart" from Greenock and two smaller vessels to convey the whole circus to America. 40 of the 130 artists were members of the Cooke family. This extended trip included prolonged programmes in New York, Boston and Walnut Street Philadelphia. At this stage their "pattern" was to erect a large circular building of a temporary nature (normally in wood). It is unclear how long this American tour was intended to last, but it met an abrupt end during their stay in Baltimore on 3 February 1838, when the Front Street Theater burnt down (note- there is some confusion as two "Front Street Theaters burnt down within 5 weeks of each other: Baltimore on 5 Jan 1838, Buffalo on 3 February 1838). The Cooke's lost 50 horses and many items of wardrobe and props in this fire. After a few more months in Philadelphia, he returned to Britain in the summer of 1838 with this large tent, which freed up the possible locations for the circus. Thomas Cooke died in 1866 in London and is buried in Kensal Green Cemetery. The grave is highly unique, carrying a statue of a horse "mourning".
Thomas Taplin Cooke Born: 1782
Father:Thomas CookeBorn: 1752
Mother: Born:
