Dorothy Heighes Woodforde

Dorothy Heighes Woodforde (1902-1981) is best known as the editor of The Archaeological Newsletter which she launched in 1948 and continued to edit until 1965.

Dorothy was the only daughter of Dr Robert Edmond Heighes Woodforde who prompted the initial publication of the diaries of Revd James Woodforde.

She was a writer and journalist, and her early career was in Fleet Street where she joined the circle that formed around Dorothy L. Sayers.

Dorothy died on 3 June 1981 aged 80 years.

Dorothey Heighes Woodforde
Dorothey Heighes Woodforde

After its first appearance, the Newsletter evolved into a colourful magazine and attracted most of the leading archaeologists of the post-war generation.   It rapidly became an important part of the archaeological scene despite frequent financial problems. 

Amongst her published works is her own compilation of Woodforde letters and manuscripts titled Woodforde Papers and Diaries published by Peter Davies London) in 1932 and republished in 1990 by Morow & Co in association with the Parson Woodforde Society.