Winefrid Wigmore facts for kids

Winefred Wigmore (born 1585, died 1657) was an English Roman Catholic nun and teacher. She was a close friend and helper of Mary Ward, who started a new religious group for women. Winefred also wrote a book about Mary Ward's life.

Early Life and Friendship with Mary Ward

Winefred Wigmore was born in Lucton, England, in 1585. She was one of twelve children. Her father was Sir William Wigmore, and her mother was Anne Throckmorton. Three of her brothers became Jesuits, who are Catholic priests and brothers.

Winefred met Mary Ward in 1605. They became very close friends. When Mary Ward came back to England in 1609, Winefred lived with her in London. Winefred stayed Mary Ward's loyal friend and helper for the rest of Mary's life. She helped Mary start the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a new group of Catholic women who wanted to serve God in new ways.

Leading Schools and Challenges

In 1622 and 1623, Winefred Wigmore became the headmistress of schools that the Institute opened in Rome and then in Naples, Italy. In 1624, she was put in charge of the group in Naples.

Later, in 1630, Mary Ward sent Winefred to deal with problems at the Institute's house in Liège. Some members there were unhappy with Mary Ward. Winefred was very loyal to Mary Ward. She replaced the leader in Liège, Mary Copley. This disagreement caused trouble for the Institute with the Pope's court.

Even though the Pope officially closed the Institute in 1631, Winefred and other "English ladies" continued to live together quietly in places like Munich and Rome. Winefred stayed in Rome with Mary Ward. She helped train new members, worked as Mary's secretary, and took care of her when she was sick.

Later Years and Legacy

Winefred Wigmore went with Mary Ward back to England in 1637. They lived together in London and Heworth until Mary Ward passed away in 1645.

After Mary Ward's death, Winefred Wigmore and another nun named Mary Poyntz continued the work of the Institute. However, it became dangerous for them to live in England after King Charles I was executed. So, in 1650, members of the Institute moved to Paris, France, led by Barbara Babthorpe. Winefred became the headmistress of a school for English girls there.

Winefred Wigmore died in April 1657. She was buried in the cemetery of the Benedictine nuns in Paris.

Winefred Wigmore and Mary Poyntz wrote the first book about Mary Ward's life. It was called Briefe relation. Copies of this book still exist in both French and English.

Works

• (with Mary Poyntz) A briefe relation of the holy life & happy death of our dearest mother, of blessed memory, Mrs. Mary Ward