Dame Katherine Patricia Routledge DBE (/ˈraʊtlɪdʒ/ ROWT-lij; born 17 February 1929), professionally billed as Patricia Routledge, is an English actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances (1990–1995), for which she was nominated for the BAFTA TV Award for Best Light Entertainment Performance in 1992 and 1993. Her film appearances include To Sir, with Love (1967) and Don't Raise the Bridge, Lower the River (1968).
Routledge was born in Tranmere, Cheshire, England. She has never been married and has no children. She has lived in Chichester, West Sussex since 2000, and regularly worships at Chichester Cathedral. As of July 2012[update], she was a patron of the Beatrix Potter Society.