Henry Dodwell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Dodwell
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| Born | October 1641 Dublin |
| Died | 7 June 1711 (aged 69–70) Shottesbrooke |
| Nationality | Anglo-Irish |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Dublin |
Henry Dodwell (born October 1641, died June 7, 1711) was a smart Anglo-Irish scholar and writer. He was known for his strong beliefs and his writings on history and church matters.
Henry Dodwell's Life Story
Dodwell was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1641. His family lost their property during the Irish rebellion, a big uprising in Ireland. His father, William Dodwell, then moved the family to York, England, in 1648. Henry went to school at St Peter's School, York.
In 1654, his uncle sent him to Trinity College, Dublin. There, he became a top student and later a fellow, which is like a senior researcher or teacher. He earned his first degree in 1662 and his master's degree in 1663. Henry had strong personal beliefs and did not want to become a religious leader. Because of this, he gave up his fellowship in 1666.
However, in 1688, he was chosen to be the Camden Professor of History at Oxford University. This was a very important job teaching old history. But in 1691, he lost this job. This happened because he refused to promise loyalty to the new King William and Queen Mary. This refusal was part of a movement called the nonjuring schism, where some people would not accept the new rulers after the Glorious Revolution.
Dodwell then moved to Shottesbrooke in Berkshire to be close to his friend, Francis Cherry. Over time, the group who refused to swear loyalty became smaller. After some key leaders of this group passed away or changed their minds, Dodwell decided to return to the Church of England in 1710.
He passed away in Shottesbrooke the next year.
Henry Dodwell's Writings
Henry Dodwell lived on money from a small property in Ireland. He spent his time studying history, especially the order of events (chronology), and how the church should be run. He also wrote to support the bishops who had lost their positions because they refused to swear loyalty to the new king and queen.
A famous historian named Edward Gibbon said that Dodwell's knowledge was "immense," meaning huge. He also said that Dodwell was very good at using facts. However, Gibbon did not like Dodwell's writing style or how he presented his ideas.
Dodwell wrote many books about how the church should be organized. He was seen as a strong supporter of the non-jurors, the group who would not swear loyalty to the new rulers.
Family Life
Henry Dodwell had an eldest son, also named Henry Dodwell. This son wrote a pamphlet called Christianity not founded on Argument. A pamphlet is a small book with a strong opinion. His other son, William Dodwell (1709–1785), wrote a reply to his brother's pamphlet. William was also involved in debates with another writer, Conyers Middleton, about miracles.
Many people wrote replies to the younger Henry Dodwell's pamphlet at the time. Even the famous writer Jonathan Swift wrote against it.
Images for kids
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Henry Dodwell's grave in Shottesbrooke.
