THE GENERAL AND THE ACTRESS

The lives and love of Francis Lascelles and Ann Catley

by David Lascelles

The Lascelles became one of the wealthiest families in 18th century England through trading in sugar and slavery in the West Indies. They used their riches to scale the ranks of Georgian society, in the Army and politics and ultimately into the peerage. Today, Harewood House in Yorkshire stands as a monument to their success.

THE GENERAL AND THE ACTRESS is a richly illustrated history of their rise, told through the remarkable story of one of the Lascelles sons, Francis, an Army General who formed a lasting relationship with Ann Catley, the top opera singer of the day. Their liaison should have been scandalous, except that the Georgians - behind all their manners and finery - loved celebrity affairs. Francis and Ann lived together for 20 years and had ten children. Ann topped the bill at Covent Garden and Drury Lane, Francis became a Groom of the King’s Bedchamber and looked after George III during his madness.

THE GENERAL AND THE ACTRESS is set amid the turbulent events of Georgian times: Britain’s ruthless pursuit of riches, its glittering society, its military triumphs and disasters - and the double standards that allowed it to create an appearance of virtue and elegance while tolerating vice and ugliness on a scale that takes our breath away today.

About the author

David Lascelles is the great grandson five times over of Francis Lascelles. He is an author and journalist, and lives in North London.

Published in June 2019 by Highgate Books. 94pp.

ISBN 978-1-5272-2227-4

For more information contact book@davidlascelles.com