Catherine Sinclair
The Forgotten Philanthropist and Literary Pioneer of Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city rich with history, where towering monuments and hidden plaques tell the stories of remarkable figures who once walked its streets. Among them is Catherine Sinclair—a woman whose contributions to literature, education, and philanthropy shaped 19th-century Edinburgh, yet whose name has faded from common memory.
A Life Shaped by Literature
Born on April 17, 1800, Catherine Sinclair was one of 13 children of Sir John Sinclair, a well-known politician and writer. He played a significant role in Scottish history, most notably by originating The Statistical Account of Scotland.
Educated at home, Catherine became her father’s secretary at just 14 years old, spending long hours writing from dictation. Though demanding, this experience gave her a strong foundation in writing—one she would later use to launch a successful literary career.
Her first published work was a horror story featured in Blackwood’s Magazine. She then began writing children’s books to entertain her young nieces and nephews, starting with Charlie Seymour, or, The Good Aunt and the Bad Aunt (1832).
After her father’s death in 1835, she was able to fully devote herself to writing. Her first novel, Modern Accomplishments (1836), explored the limitations of fashionable female education. It was followed by a sequel, Modern Society (1837), and multiple other novels and travel books, beginning with Hill and Valley, or, Hours in England and Wales (1838).
But it was Holiday House (1839) that truly cemented her legacy. The book broke new ground in children’s literature, depicting children realistically—curious, mischievous, and argumentative—rather than as moral lessons in human form. It remained a nursery favourite for over a century.
Unlike many authors of her time, Catherine put her real name on her books. The early 19th century still saw novels as a frivolous form of writing—less serious than essays or poetry. Many writers, including Sir Walter Scott, published novels anonymously to avoid criticism. But Catherine’s father disapproved of anonymous publishing, and she proudly put her name on her works.
Faith and Philanthropy
Catherine Sinclair was not only a writer but also a tireless philanthropist, using her influence and wealth to improve the everyday lives of Edinburgh’s citizens.
One of her greatest contributions was the installation of Edinburgh’s first public drinking fountain in 1859. Located at the west end of Princes Street, the fountain was a striking structure, designed to provide clean water to locals, travellers, and even the city’s animals. Inscribed with the words “Water is not for man alone”, it featured basins at different heights, allowing access not only for people but also for dogs and horses pulling Edinburgh’s trams. The fountain became immensely popular, but as the city’s roads became busier, it was seen as an obstruction to traffic and was removed in 1932. The remaining section of the fountain was later relocated to Leith in 1983, where it remains today.
Recognizing the need for public seating, Sinclair also arranged for benches to be placed throughout Edinburgh, ensuring that workers, travellers, and the elderly had a place to rest. Many of these benches are still in use today, a quiet but enduring legacy of her generosity.
Her compassion extended beyond infrastructure. Understanding the struggles of Edinburgh’s working-class citizens, she founded the Sinclair Cooking Depot, which provided affordable, nutritious meals for those in need. The first depot, located at 6 Queensferry Street, was so successful that a second was established at 33 George IV Bridge. At its peak, this initiative served over 1,200 people daily, and by the time of her death, the depot had provided meals to more than 91,000 people.
Committed to education, Sinclair also founded a mission school at the Water of Leith, ensuring that children from poor families had access to learning. In an era where girls' education was often overlooked, she championed practical skills for young women, helping to shape a generation of independent and capable individuals.
Her dedication to philanthropy was widely recognized in her time, with newspapers such as The Morning Post describing her as “an ever-active philanthropist”.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
A Monument to Remember
When Catherine Sinclair passed away on August 6, 1864, at the home of her brother in Kensington, London, she was buried at St John’s Episcopal Church in Edinburgh—just yards from where her beloved drinking fountain once stood.
In recognition of her impact, a monument was erected in her honour near her childhood home on the corner of Albyn Place and North Charlotte Street. This gothic spire, often referred to as a "miniature Scott Monument", was funded by public subscription, a testament to the high regard in which she was held. Though smaller than the famous monument to Sir Walter Scott, its intricate design and prominent location ensured that Catherine’s contributions would not be forgotten.
However, as time passed, so did her fame. While the Victorian public saw her as a literary figure and a great humanitarian, her name gradually faded from history. Today, many Edinburgh residents walk past her monument without knowing the woman it commemorates.
A Legacy in the City
Though Catherine Sinclair may no longer be widely remembered, her impact on Edinburgh remains. The benches we sit on, the schools that educated generations, the ideas that shaped children’s literature, and the early public services she helped establish all speak to her enduring influence.
Next time you rest on a public bench, walk through Edinburgh’s historic streets, or reflect on the power of literature, take a moment to remember Catherine Sinclair—the woman who wrote, built, and cared for the city she loved.
