Dame Katherine Patricia Routledge ( ; 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" (1990–95), 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).