Lady Catharine Long

Lady Catharine Long (née Walpole; 5 November 1797 – 20 August 1867) was an English novelist and religious writer active during the 19th century. She was born on 5 November 1797 and was baptized on 23 November 1797 at St James's Church, Piccadilly, London. Lady Catharine was the youngest and seventh daughter of Hon. Horatio Walpole and his first wife and cousin, Sophia Churchill. Her paternal family included the prominent politician Robert Walpole, who served as Prime Minister of Great Britain. In 1809, her father inherited the Earldom of Orford.

Her literary career comprised mainly religious fiction and sacred music compositions. Her first work, *Sir Roland Ashton, a Tale of the Times*, was published in 1844. This novel was directed against the tractarian movement, also known as the Oxford Movement, which aimed to reinvigorate the Church of England with Catholic traditions. In the preface to this work, Long reflected on contemporary debates regarding the morality and aesthetic considerations of employing the novel form for religious themes. She expressed the belief that novel writing was 'in God's hands,' with the author serving as a kind of amanuensis—a notion that gained prominence during the 19th century.

Among her most notable religious writings are *Heavenly Thoughts for Morning Hours* (1851) and *Heavenly Thoughts for Evening Hours* (1856). In addition, she published the sacred music piece *An Agnus Dei* for a small choir in 1848 and *Christmas Souvenir* in the same year. Her other published works include *Midsummer Souvenir, Thoughts Original and Selected* (1846), *The Story of a Drop of Water* (1856), *First Lieutenant's Story* (1856), *The Story of a Specific Prayer* (1863), and *Herein is Joy*, a compilation of selections from her earlier thoughts. She also contributed lyrics and music, including a piece in memory of Prince Albert titled *He is not Dead, he cannot Die*.

On 22 July 1822, Lady Catharine married Henry Lawes Long of Hampton Lodge, Surrey. The marriage produced nine children, of whom eight survived to adulthood. Their children were Charlotte Caroline Georgiana (1823–1896), Catherine Beatrice (1824–1913), Emma Sophia (1826–1896), Mary Elizabeth (1827–1902), Sophia Horatia Churchill (1831–1905), Isabella Henrietta Theodora (1831–1929), Edward Horatio (1837–1850), Henry Charles Dudley (1839–1870), and Florence Louisa Jane (1829–1919). Her daughters Mary Elizabeth and Emma Sophia married, while her son Edward Horatio died young at age 12.

Lady Catharine Long died suddenly on 20 August 1867 at her residence, Landthorne Hatch near Farnham, Surrey. The cause of death was attributed to a heart attack following a severe thunderstorm. Her death occurred early in the morning while her family was away in Belgium. According to reports, she had been distressed by the thunderstorm the night before after attending a croquet party at Aldershot. She was buried at St Lawrence Church in Seale, Surrey, which contains monuments to her family members, including her eldest son Edward Horatio and her husband's uncle, Lieutenant-General Robert Ballard Long.

Her works remain part of 19th-century religious and literary history. Notable publications include *Sir Roland Ashton, a Tale of the Times* (1844), *Midsummer Souvenir* (1846), *An Agnus Dei* (1848), *Heavenly Thoughts for Morning Hours* (1851), and *Heavenly Thoughts for Evening Hours* (1856).