[6] During this time, she conducted a successful singing career, for which she became well known, as well as completing her education with Lord Sandwich's support.

[7] Hackman became a frequent visitor, and is thought to have proposed marriage to Ray on several instances, but she declined each time.

[3] On 7 April 1779,[4][10][11] in the company of close friend and fellow singer Caterina Galli, Ray left her home to attend a performance of Isaac Bickerstaffe's comic opera Love in a Village.

[12] She had been approached by Hackman earlier that evening, but when she declined to tell him where she was going he followed her to the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, where he murdered her.

During renovations of the church in 1824, the vault was re-discovered and Ray's remains moved to an unmarked grave in the churchyard.