Lady Catherine Jones facts for kids
Lady Catherine Jones (born 1672 – died 1740) was an important English woman who cared deeply about helping others. She was especially interested in making sure girls and women had good education and fair treatment. She chose to be buried with her close friend, Mary Kendall (born 1677 – died 1710), inside Westminster Abbey, a very famous church in London.
Contents
Lady Catherine's Life Story
Her Family and Early Years
Lady Catherine Jones was the daughter of Richard Jones, 1st Earl of Ranelagh, a nobleman, and his wife Elizabeth. She had a twin sister named Frances, and two brothers who sadly passed away when they were very young.
Her grandmother, also named Katherine Jones, Viscountess Ranelagh, was a remarkable woman. She was a scientist and a thinker who was part of many important groups where people discussed new ideas. It seems Lady Catherine came from a family that valued learning and new ways of thinking!
Ranelagh House and Gardens
When Lady Catherine's father passed away in 1711, she inherited a large estate called Ranelagh House. This house was next to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a home for old soldiers.
Years later, Lady Catherine rented out Ranelagh House. It eventually became a famous public garden and entertainment spot called Ranelagh Gardens, known for its fun events and beautiful grounds.
Helping Girls Get an Education
Lady Catherine was very dedicated to helping others, especially by supporting education for girls. She lived in Chelsea, London, for many years.
In 1729, Lady Catherine helped start a charity school for girls in Chelsea. This school was special because it educated the daughters of the soldiers who lived at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. She worked with other kind people, like Lady Elizabeth Hastings, to make sure these girls could get an education.
A famous writer and philosopher named Mary Astell also lived with Lady Catherine for several years. Mary Astell was known for her ideas about women's education, and she had even started her own school for girls. It's clear that Lady Catherine surrounded herself with people who shared her passion for learning and helping others.
Lady Catherine Jones passed away on April 14, 1740.
Burial at Westminster Abbey
Lady Catherine Jones was buried in the chapel of St John the Baptist inside Westminster Abbey. Her ashes were placed together with those of her dear friend, Mary Kendall.
Mary Kendall's Life
Mary Kendall was born in 1677 and was the niece of a politician named James Kendall. She lived with Lady Catherine Jones. When Mary passed away in 1710, she made a special request. She wanted to be buried in Westminster Abbey, near Lady Catherine's mother, Elizabeth, who was already buried there.
Mary Kendall also asked that because of the "close union and friendship" she shared with Lady Catherine, their ashes should not be separated, even after death. This shows how incredibly close their friendship was. Lady Catherine honored this wish, and they were buried together.
Images for kids
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Frances, Lady Coningsby, and her twin sister Lady Catherine Jones by Willem Wissing, 1687
