Details

cc00032

Seth Ward

Seth Ward (1617 – 6 January 1689) was an English mathematician, astronomer, and bishop. He was born in Hertfordshire, and educated at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. in 1636 and M.A. in 1640, becoming a Fellow in that year. In 1643 he was chosen university mathematical lecturer, but he was deprived of his fellowship next year for opposing the Solemn League and Covenant (with Isaac Barrow, John Barwick and Peter Gunning). In the 1640s, he took instruction in mathematics from William Oughtred, and stayed with relations of Samuel Ward. In 1649 he became Savilian Professor of astronomy at Oxford University, and gained a high reputation by his theory of planetary motion. He was one of the original members of the Royal Society of London. In 1659 he was appointed President of Trinity College, Oxford, but not having the statutory qualifications, at the restoration, he resigned in 1660. King Charles II appointed him to the livings of St Lawrence Jewry in London, and Uplowman, Devonshire, in 1661. He also became Dean of Exeter Cathedral (1661) and Rector of St Breock, Cornwall in 1662. In the latter year he was consecrated Bishop of Exeter, and in 1667 he was translated to the see of Salisbury. The office of Chancellor of the Order of the Garter was conferred on him in 1671. In his diocese he showed great severity to nonconformists, and rigidly enforced the act prohibiting conventicles. He spent a great deal of money on the restoration of the cathedrals of Worcester and Salisbury. He died at Knightsbridge on 6 January 1689.[Wiki] The picture shows him in the robe of the Chancellor of the Order of the Garter on the shoulder is argent a cross gules within the garter. He carries a richly embroidered purse that bears the arms per pale dexter Argent a cross gules impaling Sinister the Royal Arms of King Charles I (1st and 4th Quarterly FRANCE and ENGLAND 2nd SCOTLAND 3rd IRELAND) with the garter above the arms a Royal Crown. In top right of picture is Azure a cross patonce or WARD. Painted by John Greenhill (1649-1676) see also cc00524

The portrait hung for a while in the Lloyd Room was damaged by a burn mark probably caused by someone stubbing our a cigarette. It was repaired by Ivor Jones in 1963.[notes filing cabinet 4]. There is a head and shoulders copy in Wadham College. Seth Ward (1617 –1689) was an English mathematician, astronomer, and Bishop. He was one of the original members of the Royal Society.

1660

From the collection of Robert Plumer Ward (1765-1846), Gilston Park, Herts; perhaps posthumous sale, Gilston Park April 1851; with Mrs Noseda, London 1872; with the Rev F.O.White, from whom it was bought.

17th century