A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Crouch, Anna

CROUCH, Mrs. Anna Maria, born April 20, 1763, was the daughter of Peregrine Phillips, a solicitor. Being gifted with a remarkably sweet voice Miss Phillips was at an early age placed under the instruction of a music-master named Wafer, and some time afterwards was articled to Thomas Linley, under whose auspices she made her appearance in the winter of 1780 [App. p.601 "on Nov. 11"], at Drury Lane Theatre, as Mandane in Dr. Arne's 'Artaxerxes.' Her success was great, and for upwards of twenty years she held a high place in public esteem, both as actress and singer. Early in 1785 she married Mr. Crouch, a lieutenant in the navy, but after an union of about seven years the parties separated by mutual consent. About 1800 [App. p.601 "in 1801"] Mrs. Crouch's health became impaired, she withdrew from public life, and died at Brighton, Oct. 2, 1805. [App. p.601 adds "that on May 14 of that year [1801] she appeared as Celia in 'As You Like It,' for Kelly's benefit."]

[ W. H. H. ]