Hold onto your powdered wigs, because we're about to dive headfirst into the tale of Thomas Doggett, the man who had a finger in every pie of early 18th-century British society—an actor, a playwright, a politician, and, most notably, a staunch Whig. Born in 1670 in Dublin, Ireland, Doggett made his mark in history not just on the stage, but by cleverly intertwining politics with art, a practice that would have today’s politically correct crowd squirming. This bold individual capitalized on the turmoil and intrigue of his time from the roaring stages of London to the prestigious halls of parliament.
Doggett didn’t just strut and fret his hour upon the stage; he carved a legacy of tradition amidst the rapidly shifting political landscapes of Great Britain. Picture this: crowds gathered along the River Thames, not for another tedious protest, but to witness the Doggett’s Coat and Badge—a race that celebrated the accession of King George I to the throne, inaugurated by none other than Doggett himself in 1715. It’s the oldest traditional rowing race in existence today, a quintessential symbol of loyalty to the Crown and protest against the divisive Jacobite cause that would undoubtedly make waves even now.
The rise of Doggett isn’t your typical rags-to-riches story. You see, in a time when theater was dismissed as a devious den of iniquity by the prudish (an early predecessor to today’s cancel culture), Doggett dared to step onto the stage. Both an actor and a manager at the Drury Lane Theatre, he brought to life satirical and comedic plays that poked fun at the political elite. However, what made him stand out was his unyielding allegiance to the Whigs—a faction jeered at by the Tory-es led by a faction we’d compare to the left today. He was a contrarian with a purpose, aligning himself with George Brooks and mirroring the ideals of leaders who didn’t blink when it came to swift actions, such as the Reversioner Bill in 1709.
Those hoping for a gritty tale would be thrilled with Doggett’s battle with the Jacobites. When whispers of restoring the dethroned James II and his kin threatened the monarchy Doggett idolized, he didn’t pen passive editorials. Instead, he used his popular play stage and charismatic voice as platforms to champion a stable Protestant succession. Let this sink in: before social media opinions heated debates, animated arguments were sparred out in ballrooms and theaters, thanks to articulate voices like Doggett’s. One wonders how his pretentious prose would have fared on Twitter.
Doggett's legacy is one of action, not mere words. He seized opportunities beyond the stage by entering the political arena, serving as a Member of the Irish Parliament for Athlone. Yes, not only was he conquered by the appeal of thought-provoking drama; he also conquered the fickle power-play of politics. The political climate favored those who could vehemently express their allegiance, something politicians today could line their pockets learning from Doggett.
In a world where people wore plaid waistcoats only if they could outwit a political rival, Doggett was setting the pace with his famed loyalty to King George I and the Hanoverian line. He financially supported the Watermen’s Race (affectionately known later as Doggett's Coat and Badge) to boost the spirits of the Whig-loving populace. This annual event, unbroken even by wars, pandemics, or British weather, reflects the robust tradition and connection with the Crown, a dream realized far beyond the life of any act Doggett ever performed.
Doggett retired in 1713 but not in silence. His generosity ensured the future in the form of The King's Anniversaries. Doggett's involvement in promoting art and stringent political views left a mark. The Doggett’s Coat and Badge race symbolizes an era where allegiance to the colony meant more than catchy slogans and self-righteous tweets. It showed how aligning oneself to enduring values, stability, and culture should be celebrated, not shamed.
Liberals may moan about history’s arc bending towards justice, but one cannot ignore Thomas Doggett—a seamless blend of artistic brilliance and political fervor—which revealed that heritage preserved through tradition and loyalty is more powerful than a fruitless cry for modernity. This indomitable character offers an intriguing glimpse into a bygone world that clung to its roots while embracing creativity, making him the ultimate contradiction of the modern progressive narrative.