The second daughter of Jacob Burnett, an alkali manufacturer 1871 Census Burnett was born on 27 February 1863 at 10 Prior's Terrace, Tynemouth, Northumberland, where she is commemorated by a Blue Plaque. She was taught at local schools before travelling to Vevey, Switzerland, to complete her education. After returning she did voluntary welfare work and work teaching a bible class and at the Church of the Holy Saviour in Tynemouth. Following her family's Liberal political sympathies, Burnett served as honorary secretary of the Tynemouth Women's Liberal Federation from 1895 to 1910.
