Born in 1200, while her father Francis was studying at the University of Bologna (Italy) to be a physician, Katharine grew to be as curious and scientific-minded as her father. She loved to help him as he visited and treated patients. Her mother, Elisabetta, was an Italian woman who had a strong sense of faith which Katharine shared. Her sister, Julia, was born when Katharine was 4 years old. The family returned to England when Katharine was 6 years old. They lived in Oxfordshire, as both her parents had a desire to be part of an academic environment. Katharine was always bringing ailing small animals and birds home to her father to learn how to treat them. She kept many as companions and loved their cheerful nature and lovely chirping. She also shared with her mother a love of music. Her mother played the harp, and felt that her daughters should be brought up knowing the world of music. Katharine and Julia both sang well, and loved learning music from their mother. Their father sang well, and the family frequently joined in singing songs of faith and love. Katharine learned to cook well from her grandmother, Viola Whytton.
Eventually Katharine wanted to be of real help to her father, and he agreed to teach her the theories and methods of medicine. She aided him in his practice, both at their home and in the homes of patients. She learned quickly, and was intuitive in the diagnosing and treatment of women especially. She delighted most in midwifery. She kept an herb and flower garden, which had many ingredients for treatment of ailments.
Besides keeping birds, gardening, cooking, and enjoying music, Katharine was very fond of her companion dogs. She had several dogs in her lifetime, but loved her spaniels above all. She could be seen walking her dogs most every day, stopping to speak with children of the village, inquiring of the mothers as to their health and welfare. Katharine was very generous, and always shared food and money with those in need in her village and beyond. She was a faithful communicant of St. Martin�s Church all her life.
Katharine loved to travel. Fluent in Italian, she returned every year to visit her mother's family in Florence. She visited Paris several times with her father.
