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Death of Miss Katty King

Very widespread was the regret with which, early in the week, was received the intelligence of the death of Miss Katty King (Mrs Arthur Lloyd), which took place on Saturday last. Miss Katty King was the daughter of T. C. King, the well-known tragedian, and was born in Camden-town, London. When six-weeks old she was taken by her parents to Dublin where her father was engaged at the Queen’s Theatre by the late Henry Webb, and where he became such an established favourite that he remained many years. At about twelve years of age, Katty King and her late brother Harry (who died in May, 1870 in his twentieth year), appeared as ‘Irish Duettists and Dancers’ with Dr Corri’s Diorama of Ireland. So successful were they that after a long tour with Dr Corri, Mr T. C. King procured them an engagement at the Alhambra, London, where they made an immediate impression by their fresh and novel performances.

The success at the Alhambra naturally led to other engagements in the metropolis, and Master Harry and sweet little Katty were received with enthusiasm everywhere. Mr Arthur Lloyd then engaged them for his concert party, and in his "Two Hours' Fun' entertainment found them a useful and bright little couple. In consequence of their success, they continued in Arthur Lloyd’s Company on many tours till the illness and death of poor Harry ended Katty’s career in this line of business. Some time after her brother's death she was engaged by Messrs Montague, James and Thorne, for the Vaudeville Theatre, and appeared in burlesque with the late Nelly Power.

Above - Notice from the Irish Times of 1871 on the Marriage of Arthur Lloyd and Katty King at All Saint's Church, Kensington Park, London, on Monday, 31st July, by the Rev. John Light, M. A., Vicar. Arthur Lloyd, the well known vocalist, to Kathleen, daughter of Mr. T. C. King, of T. R. Drury Lane, London, and formerly of Dublin.

On July 31st, 1871, she was married to Arthur Lloyd. From the time of her marriage she became identified with Arthur Lloyd in all his successes. Whether in his pantomimes, dramas, or sketches she was the Principal feature - a bright and clever little Actress, vocalist, and dancer. During her husband's lesseeship of the Queen's Theatre, Dublin, in 1874-75 and ‘76, she occasionally appeared in comedy, burlesque, and pantomime; and on several occasions played Ophelia to T. C. King's Hamlet and Julie De Mortemar to his Richelieu.

Maud Emily Lloyd was born: 1880 and died in infancy Feb 6th 1880. Arthur Lloyd's brother Richard Delarue Lloyd's daughter was born the same year as Maud died and was named Maud Emily after her deceased cousin.

For four years each autumn she has toured with Arthur Lloyd's Ballyvogan Company, playing her original part of Norah O'Sullivan in the drama written by her husband. Katty King has appeared in this character upwards of 600 times, visiting, amongst other towns, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Belfast, Londonderry, Waterford, Limerick, Cork, Bradford, Leeds, Bristol, Brighton, Hastings, Sunderland, Stockton etc and with Arthur Lloyd’s Concert Party or with her husband in variety-halls, winter-gardens, pier pavilions, Saturday concerts, etc, she has appeared at nearly every town of any consequence in England, Ireland, and Scotland. Her last appearance in London was at the Oxford on the occasion of her husband’s benefit on Friday, March 20th, and although she had been in bad health for many months, and was very weak, she got through her part as Mary Macnab in the sketch of 'Her First Appearance' to the satisfaction of all present. Against his wish, she then went on tour with him, and appeared in Glasgow at the Gaiety for two weeks, though very ill indeed. She then went on to Edinburgh, and appeared on the Monday and Tuesday, April 6th and 7th, at Moss’s Varieties. The Tuesday evening was her last appearance on any stage, as she became so weak and ill that the doctor who was called in forbade her to attempt any professional business. Ultimately her husband brought her back to her home in London, where, surrounded by her children and loving friends, she received every attention and care, but gradually sank and peacefully expired on Saturday evening, May 2nd, of congestion of the lungs and exhaustion. She was only thirty-nine years of age, and leaves her husband and six children to mourn the loss of a loving, true, and faithful wife and a devoted and affectionate mother.

The funeral took place on Thursday at Abney Park Cemetery, Stoke Newington. In the first carriage were the chief mourners, Mr Arthur Lloyd, his daughters, Misses Annie, Kathleen and Lillian, and his two sons, Masters Harry and Arthur. The second carriage contained Mr T. C. King and Miss Bessie King, father and sister of the deceased; Mr and Mrs W R Pope and Miss Pope. In the third carriage were Mr and Mrs Delarue Lloyd, Mr Dan O’Haloran and Mr A. J. Damar, the two latter representing the Ballyvogan Company. Many friends were on the ground to meet the mournful cortege among them being Mr C Bennett, manager of the Theatre Royal, Stratford E., Mr and Mrs Victor Liston, Mrs and Miss Palin, Mr G E Brinkworth, Mr and Mrs G W Kenway, Mr Facey, Mr E Ebbles, Nelly Lloyd, Mr and Mrs Millar and Mr and Mrs H D’Alcorn, and many others.

The coffin was literally smothered with beautiful flowers in baskets, wreaths, and crosses, sent by the following professional and private friends: Messrs Archer and Bartlett, Theatre Royal, Croydon; Mr and Mrs J D Hunter, Pier Pavilion, Hastings; Mr and Mrs W Morton, Greenwich Theatre; Miss M E Victor, Criterion Theatre; Mrs J F Brian, Novelty Theatre; Miss Bessie and Mr T C King; Mr and Mrs G W Kenway; Mr and Mrs W R Pope; Miss Lizzie Nelson; Mr and Mrs D’Alcorn; Mr and Mrs F Tomlin; Mr Vernon Cooper; Mr G E Brinkworth; Miss Annie Robertson and Miss T Murray.

Text courtesy Norman King Lloyd.

Review from the Irish Times of 1871 for Katty King, Mrs. Arthur Lloyd, and company at the Round Room at the Rotundo, Dublin

Mrs. Arthur Lloyd (late Miss Katty King) has appeared in different places with Mr. A Lloyd in a comic entertainment with great success, and her charming manners have at once secured for her the attention of large fashionable audiences. During the sketch Mrs. Lloyd sings "Barney O' Hea" with great sweetness and animation. Mrs Lloyd, we are pleased to observe, will appear next Monday evening at the Rotundo, and we have no doubt that she will receive a hearty welcome from the crowds who always flock to "Two Hours' Genuine Fun" with Arthur Lloyd and his comic company. Mr. Dillon has promised a most interesting entertainment for next week, and when he makes a promise we may fairly say he keeps it.