Catherine Sinclair was born in Edinburgh on 17 April 1800 and was one of 13 children. Her father was Sir John Sinclair, a prominent politician and most notably the originator of the Statistical Account of Scotland.
Catherine Sinclair was educated at home and from the age of 14 she worked as her father’s secretary, giving her good experience in the art of writing
Catherine began writing children’s books initially to entertain her young nieces and nephews. The first of these books, published in 1832 was ‘Charlie Seymour, or, The good aunt and the bad aunt’
‘Modern accomplishments’, a novel of fashionable life, was published in 1836.
Catherine Sinclair wrote in a variety of genres, including novels, children’s literature, travel writing, and devotional works.
Probably her best-known book is ‘Holiday house’, a children’s book published in 1839. It remained a nursery favourite
Catherine was celebrated in Edinburgh for her extensive charitable and educational work. As well as founding a mission school at the Water of Leith, she also set up public benches and fountains, and a Sinclair Cooking Depot which provided good, cheap food for the poor.
A monument to Catherine Sinclair was erected by public subscription and can be found on the corner of Albyn Place and North Charlotte Street.
Copyright © 2025 All rights reserved