Catherine Beauclerk, Duchess Of St Albans

Catherine Beauclerk, Duchess of St Albans (née Lady Catherine Ponsonby), was born on 14 October 1742 and died on 4 September 1789. She was a member of the British nobility and held the title of Duchess of St Albans through her marriage.

Her parents were William Ponsonby, 2nd Earl of Bessborough, and Lady Caroline Cavendish. She was the eldest of their three children. William Ponsonby was a politician in Ireland during most of his life.

On 4 May 1763, she married Aubrey Beauclerk, who later became the 5th Duke of St Albans. The marriage took place in London. Together, they had seven children:

1. Aubrey Beauclerk (1765–1815), who became the 6th Duke of St Albans.

2. William Beauclerk (1766–1825), who became the 8th Duke of St Albans.

3. Lady Catherine Elizabeth Beauclerk (circa 1768 – circa July 1803), who married Rev. James Burgess on 1 September 1802.

4. Admiral Lord Amelius Beauclerk (1771–1846), who died unmarried.

5. The Reverend Lord Frederick Beauclerk (1773–1850), who married the Hon. Charlotte Dillon, daughter of Charles Dillon, 12th Viscount Dillon.

6. Lady Caroline Beauclerk (circa 1775 – 23 November 1838), who married the Hon. Charles Dundas, son of Thomas Dundas, 1st Baron Dundas.

7. Lady Georgiana Beauclerk (1776 – 17 October 1791), who died unmarried at age 15.

On 21 October 1781, she acquired the title Mrs. Vere de Hanworth. After her husband's rise in status, she became Duchess of St Albans on 10 February 1787. The couple resided in Rome for approximately three years. Historical accounts suggest that their journey to Rome may have been partially motivated by a desire to avoid rumors about a relationship between Catherine Beauclerk and Thomas Brand. On 4 June 1778, Lady Mary Lowther noted that Mr. Beauclerk, Lady Catherine, and Mr. Brand had gone abroad together and that their stay there was partly due to financial difficulties which made it troublesome for them to remain in England.

While in Rome, they were painted twice by the artist Franciszek Smuglewicz. Aubrey Beauclerk passed away on 9 February 1802 at the age of 61.