Sir Thomas Skipwith, 2nd Baronet

Duke's Theatre at Dorset Garden. This was Skipwith's first recorded involvement in the London theatre world when he became a shareholder in 1682. Sir Thomas Skipwith, 2nd Baronet (ca. 165215 June 1710) was a Member of Parliament, and theatrical manager in London in the late 17th and early 18th century.

Family Skipwith was the son of Sir Thomas Skipwith, 1st Baronet and his wife Elizabeth Lathom daughter of Ralph Lathom of Upminster, Essex.

He married Margaret, daughter of George Brydges, 6th Baron Chandos, after being admitted to Gray's Inn on 5 August 1670. Margaret was the most senior descendant of Anne Stanley, Countess of Castlehaven, who was a descendant in turn of Mary Tudor, Queen of France. If the will of Henry VIII, and invalidity of Lady Katherine Grey’s marriage was to be believed, upon Margaret’s death, Sir Thomas’ son and heir, George, would theoretically be the King of England.

Career After a brief military career, Skipwith was elected a Member of Parliament for Malmsbury in 1696.

On 31 March 1682, Dame Mary Davenant, widow of Sir William Davenant, sold Skipwith a half share in the Duke's Company.

Manley also described his pursuit of two mistresses,

Skipwith left substantial sums to his housekeeper, Susanna Gurney, and her daughter, Charlotte. Historian D. W. Hayton, who describes Skipwith as 'an engaging roué', suggests this 'strengthens the suspicion' that Gurney was also his mistress, and her daughter his illegitimate child.