
1817 – Born at Bishopwearmouth, near Sunderland, in north-east England on the 19th of October.
1837 – He entered Trinity College at Cambridge University.
1846 – He was called to the bar at Middle Temple in November, and went on the northern circuit.
1846 – Wrote plays "To Parents and Guardians".
1850 – He became assistant secretary of the Board of Health.
1854 – He was made secretary, and on its abolition his services were transferred to a department of the Home Office.
1852 – Co-wrote play "Masks and Faces".
1855 – Wrote plays "Still Waters Run Deep".
1858 – Wrote plays "Our American Cousin".
1860 – Wrote plays "The Overland Route".
1863 – Wrote plays "The Ticket-of-Leave Man".
1876 – Retiring on a pension.
1880 – He died at Wandsworth, London, England on the 12th of July.