Born Catherine Mumford, Ashbourne, Derbyshire; January 17, 1829. Her parents were John Mumford, a Coach Builder, and Sarah Milward. Her birthplace at 13 Sturston Road carries a commemorative plaque, and there is a memorial in the Ashboune Recreation Ground. When she was a child the family moved to Boston, Lincolnshire and later they lived in Brixton, London.