Constance Frederica Gordon-Cumming was born on 26 May 1837 at Altyre, the daughter of Sir William Gordon-Cumming, 2nd Baronet of Altyre and Gordonstoun. She was educated at home and in Fulham, London. After spending a year in India in 1867, she developed a taste for travel, journeying widely over the next twelve years, and writing about her exploits. She died on 4 September 1924.
From the guide to the Constance Frederica Gordon-Cumming: Pagodas, Aurioles, and Umbrellas, c. 1888, (Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives)