Lady Catherine Jones

Lady Catherine Jones (1672 – 14 April 1740) was an English philanthropist, interested in women's rights and education, and chose to be buried with her long-time friend, Mary Kendall (8 November 1677 – 4 March 1710), inside Westminster Abbey.

Twenty years later she let it to two builders who re-let it to James Lacy, who with David Garrick managed the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

[9] Lady Catherine' ashes were buried in the chapel of St John the Baptist in Westminster Abbey mingled with those of Mary Kendall, died 4 March 1710.

These admirable qualitys, in which she was equall'd by few of her sex, surpass'd by none, render'd her every way worthy of that close union and friendship in which she liv'd with the Lady Catherine Jones; and in testimony of which she desir'd that even their ashes, after death, might not be divided: and, therefore, order'd her selfe here to be interr'd where, she knew, that excellent Lady design'd one day to rest, near the grave of her belov'd and religious mother, Elizabeth, Countess of Ranelagh.

Moreover, Mary Kendall asked that, considering the "close union and friendship in which she lived with the Lady Catherine Jones [...] she desired that even their ashes, after death, might not be divided".

[11] Jones' decision not to marry, and her close relationships and cohabitation with women throughout her life and into her death, merit speculation that she was a lesbian.