William Dugard, English printer (d. 1662)

William Dugard: A Pivotal Figure in 17th-Century English Society

William Dugard (born 9 January 1606, died 3 December 1662), also known as Du Gard, was a remarkable English polymath whose multifaceted career spanned the critical roles of a distinguished schoolmaster and a prolific printer. His life unfolded amidst one of the most tumultuous periods in English history, the English Interregnum (1649–1660), a time of profound political and social upheaval following the execution of King Charles I and preceding the Restoration of the Monarchy.

A Printer Navigating Political Turmoil

Dugard's printing press became a significant instrument during the English Civil War and the subsequent Commonwealth and Protectorate. His career as a printer was notably marked by a dramatic shift in allegiances, reflecting the volatile political landscape of the era.

• Initially, Dugard demonstrated strong Royalist sympathies, notably printing documents and propaganda in support of King Charles I. This period culminated in his controversial publication of the highly influential *Eikon Basilike* in 1649, a purported autobiography of the late king, which became a powerful symbol for the Royalist cause and stirred immense public emotion.
• This act of publishing a forbidden royalist text led directly to his imprisonment by the victorious Parliamentarians. However, demonstrating a pragmatic adaptability essential for survival during such times, Dugard subsequently aligned himself with the new republican regime. He was appointed Printer to the Council of State and later became *Typographus Reipublicae*, the official Printer to the Commonwealth, under Oliver Cromwell.
• In this capacity, he printed a vast array of official government documents, crucial decrees, and parliamentary acts, playing a pivotal role in disseminating the new administration's policies and shaping public opinion. He also notably printed significant works for prominent figures of the Commonwealth, including John Milton's *Defensio Secunda* (more formally *Pro Populo Anglicano Defensio Secunda*) and revised editions of *Areopagitica*, further cementing his central role in the literary and political landscape of the time.

A Controversial Yet Accomplished Schoolmaster

Beyond his printing activities, Dugard was an eminent and, at times, controversial schoolmaster, renowned for his classical scholarship and unwavering dedication to education. His pedagogical career saw him lead several notable English schools:

• Colchester Royal Grammar School: He served as master here from 1637 until 1644, laying a foundation for his reputation as a classical scholar.
• Merchant Taylors' School: One of London's most prestigious public schools, Dugard was appointed headmaster in 1644. His tenure was notably interrupted by his imprisonment in 1649 due to his Royalist printing activities. He was, however, reinstated in 1650 and continued to lead the school until 1661, resigning shortly before his death. His time at Merchant Taylors' was marked by his rigorous scholarly approach and a deep commitment to Latin and Greek classics, fostering a strong academic environment.
• Stamford School: While less is documented about his exact tenure, he also served briefly as a master at Stamford School, likely prior to his appointment at Colchester.

His "controversial" label stemmed not only from his politically expedient shifts in printing allegiance but also potentially from his strict disciplinary methods, which were common in schools of that era, combined with the volatile political climate that often forced educators to navigate treacherous ideological waters.

Literary Contributions: Non-Fiction Works and Classical Editions

Dugard's intellectual pursuits extended significantly to authorship and editing. He penned several non-fiction works, primarily focused on classical scholarship and grammar, which were invaluable educational tools of his time and contributed to the intellectual development of his students and broader society.

• He authored a significant Latin grammar, *Rhetorices elementa*, published in 1648, which became a standard text for students learning rhetoric and composition across England.
• Dugard also meticulously edited and published critical editions of classical authors, including works by Lucian, Plautus, Horace, Virgil, and Eutropius. These scholarly editions were crucial for classical education in 17th-century England, making ancient texts more accessible and comprehensible to a wider scholarly audience and students alike.

Legacy of a Resilient Scholar-Printer

William Dugard's life exemplifies the profound challenges and remarkable adaptability required of individuals during a period of intense national transformation. His unique dual roles as a printer, capable of disseminating powerful political messages from opposing sides of a civil conflict, and as a schoolmaster, shaping the minds of future generations through rigorous classical education, underscore his unique and enduring contribution to English intellectual and political history. He navigated a turbulent era with resilience, leaving a significant mark on both the publishing and educational spheres.

Frequently Asked Questions About William Dugard

Who was William Dugard?

William Dugard (1606–1662) was a prominent English polymath renowned for his dual career as a schoolmaster and printer during the politically charged English Interregnum. He is particularly noted for his pragmatic shift in printing allegiance from supporting King Charles I to serving Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth.

What was his role during the English Interregnum?

During the English Interregnum (1649–1660), William Dugard was a key figure in the printing world. Initially imprisoned for printing royalist propaganda such as *Eikon Basilike*, he later became the official Printer to the Commonwealth (*Typographus Reipublicae*). In this capacity, he produced crucial government documents and works for influential figures like John Milton, thereby playing a significant role in disseminating political information for both sides of the conflict.

Which schools did William Dugard lead?

William Dugard served as headmaster at several notable English schools, including Colchester Royal Grammar School (1637–1644) and the prestigious Merchant Taylors' School in London (1644–1649 and 1650–1661). He also had a brief tenure as a master at Stamford School.

What non-fiction works did William Dugard write or edit?

Dugard authored a significant Latin grammar titled *Rhetorices elementa* (1648), which became a standard educational text. He also meticulously edited and published important editions of various classical authors such as Lucian, Plautus, Horace, Virgil, and Eutropius, greatly contributing to classical education in 17th-century England.