Molesworth, Martha (1577–1646)

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Molesworth, Martha (1577–1646)

English writer. Name variations: Martha Moulsworth. Born Martha Dorsett, Nov 10, 1577, probably in Oxford, England; died autumn 1646, probably in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, England; dau. of Robert Dorsett (died 1580, tutor to Sir Philip Sidney); raised by maternal grandparents; m. Nicholas Prynne (London goldsmith), 1598 (died c. 1604); Thomas Thorowgood (draper), 1605 (died 1615); Bevil Molesworth (goldsmith), 1619; children: (1st m.) Richard and Martha Prynne (died young); (3rd m.) Bevil Molesworth (died young).

Wrote one of the earliest autobiographical poems in the English language, "Memorandum" (1632), which protests inferiority of women's education.