She was the illegitimate child of Richard Daly (1758–1813), manager of the Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin, and the actress Dorothea Jordan née Bland (1761–1816).

Frances's story begins in earnest in 1803 at her coming-of-age, when she was settled at her own home in Golden Square, London, all paid for by her mother.

[3] It seems likely that Frances and Thomas expected a dowry of £10,000, from her mother's connection with the Duke of Clarence,[3] and she and Alsop took up residence at no 11 Park Place (Mayfair).

[4] While the precise facts of Frances's dowry are unknown, the marriage was fraught with financial difficulties often caused by Alsop, and debts were usually met by Mrs Jordan.

[7] It seems from most of the newspaper reports of her acting that she rarely escaped comparison – generally favourable – with her mother; mention is also made of her skill as a musician (harp and guitar) and the attractiveness of her singing voice.