Catherine Winkworth (1827–78) was an English hymn translator, educator, and advocate for women’s education, best known for translating German hymns into English. Her work significantly shaped English hymnody, making German chorales accessible to English-speaking audiences. Beyond hymn translation, she supported girls’ schooling and literacy initiatives.
Born in London, England, Winkworth moved to Manchester, studying under Rev. William Gaskell and Dr. James Martineau, prominent Unitarian scholars. A year in Dresden, Germany, deepened her appreciation for German hymnody.
Her most famous works include Lyra Germanica (1854,) followed by Lyra Germanica: Second Series (1858.) She later co-edited The Chorale Book for England (1863) with William Sterndale Bennett and Otto Goldschmidt and published Christian Singers of Germany (1869,) a study of German hymn writers.
Winkworth’s translations include “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come” (Martin Luther, 1534,) “Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying” (Philipp Nicolai, 1599,) and “How Brightly Beams the Morning Star!” (Nicolai, 1597.) Her work remains influential in Lutheran and Anglican hymnals.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Catherine Winkworth
Your cause belongs to those that can avenge your wrongs.
—Catherine Winkworth
Topics: Purpose
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