When Roger Kemble left Hereford to find a troupe of actors in 1751 he completely fell in love with the theatre. He also fell for Sarah (Sally) Ward, the daughter of the company's manager and they were soon married despite her father's strong objections! But what happened next was extraordinary and led to the rise of a theatrical dynasty who were to dominate the English stage for decades to come. Their eldest daughter Sarah, became Sarah Siddons, recently hailed as "..the most significant actress of all time" while their eldest son, John Philip became known as "the first actor of the world". Their story is also part of Hereford's story and this talk will explore how it too played its part in the arrival of the 'acting profession' in England.