Catharine Tait

Catharine Tait (; 9 December 1819 – 1 December 1878) was a British philanthropist.

Life Tait was born in Elmdon near Rugby where her father was the rector. Her parents were Anna Maria and William Spooner.

She had opposed Archibald Campbell Tait when he applied to be the headmaster at Rugby School because of differences in their belief. He was appointed on 28 July 1842 In fact Catharine was a great support to him and on her own account she helped the poor in the town and established a school for girls. Tait not only visited the workhouse but also the local school where she taught and in return she invited poor people to the deanery. She established a girl's orphanage and convalescent home at St Peter's, Thanet.

The Countesses of Darnley and Harrowby were assigned to visit the Whitechapel workhouse every week.

Tait died in Edinburgh in 1878.