Ann Catley

Who was Ann Catley?

Ann Catley, also known as Ann Lascelles, was an English singer and actress. She took the name Lascelles from Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Lascelles, with whom she had a long relationship but to whom she was never married. In her will she left her property to their eight surviving children.

She was born near Tower Hill, London, and apprenticed aged 15 to William Bates, a composer and singing teacher.

She performed many roles on the London and Dublin stage, until 1782.

She spent her last years living at Little Ealing and died on 14 October 1789.

John O'Keeffe wrote of her: "she was one of the most beautiful women I ever saw: the expression of her eyes, and the smiles and dimples that played round her lips and cheeks, enchanting".