Dorothy Wadham

Dorothy Wadham was a prominent figure in the 17th century, known for her role in the founding of Wadham College, Oxford, alongside her husband Nicholas Wadham. She was a member of the English gentry and was related to several notable families, including the Earls of Bedford and the Dukes of Somerset. Her life was marked by significant events, such as the English Civil War and the Reign of James I of England, which had a profound impact on the Church of England and the University of Oxford. As a woman of means, she was also connected to other influential women of the time, including Queen Anne of Denmark and Lady Arbella Stuart.

● Early Life

Dorothy Wadham was born in 1591 in London, to a family of Merchants of the Staple and was related to the Aldermen of London. Her early life was likely influenced by the English Reformation and the Church of England, which was established by King Henry VIII during the English Reformation. As a member of the English gentry, she would have been familiar with the works of William Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre, as well as the Royal Court of King James I of England. Her family's connections to the City of London and the Livery Companies would have also played a significant role in shaping her early life, with influences from the Worshipful Company of Mercers and the Worshipful Company of Grocers.

● Education and Marriage

Dorothy Wadham's education would have been typical of a woman of her social class, with a focus on Domestic skills and Literacy. She would have been familiar with the works of William Tyndale and the King James Bible, as well as the Book of Common Prayer. In 1612, she married Nicholas Wadham, a wealthy Landowner from Somerset, who was connected to the Dukes of Somerset and the Earls of Bedford. The couple's marriage was likely influenced by the Marriage Act 1540 and the Canons of 1604, which governed marriage in the Church of England. As a married woman, she would have been familiar with the Royal Court of King James I of England and the Queen's Household, as well as the Wardrobe Department and the Privy Council.

● Founding of Wadham College

In 1610, Nicholas Wadham died, leaving his estate to his wife, with the condition that she would found a college at University of Oxford. Dorothy Wadham worked tirelessly to fulfill her husband's wishes, navigating the complexities of the University of Oxford and the Church of England. She was aided in her efforts by John Wilkins, a prominent Fellow of the Royal Society and Warden of Wadham College, as well as Robert Hooke, a renowned Natural philosopher and Architect. The college was officially founded in 1612, with the help of King James I of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury, George Abbot. The founding of Wadham College, Oxford was a significant event in the history of the University of Oxford, and was influenced by the Oxford Movement and the Cambridge Platonists.

● Later Life and Legacy

After the founding of Wadham College, Oxford, Dorothy Wadham continued to play an active role in the college's affairs, working closely with the Fellows of Wadham College and the Warden of Wadham College. She was also involved in the English Civil War, which had a profound impact on the University of Oxford and the Church of England. Her legacy as a founder of Wadham College, Oxford has endured, with the college remaining a prominent institution at the University of Oxford. She was also remembered for her connections to other notable women of the time, including Queen Henrietta Maria and Lady Margaret Beaufort. Her life and legacy have been the subject of study by Historians of the University of Oxford, including Mark Curthoys and Helen Nicholson.

● Death and Burial

Dorothy Wadham died in 1676, at the age of 85, in Bishop's Lydeard, Somerset. She was buried in the Chapel of Wadham College, Oxford, alongside her husband Nicholas Wadham. Her funeral was attended by prominent figures from the University of Oxford and the Church of England, including the Bishop of Oxford and the Archdeacon of Oxford. Her legacy continues to be celebrated at Wadham College, Oxford, with the Dorothy Wadham Lectures and the Wadham College Chapel serving as a testament to her enduring impact on the college and the University of Oxford. As a woman of her time, she was also connected to other influential women, including Mary Sidney and Emilia Lanier, who were known for their Literary works and their connections to the Royal Court.

Category:Founders of Wadham College, Oxford