Dodd, Rev. Dr. William (1729–1777)

A graduate of Clare College, Cambridge, Dodd first sought a literary career. When it became clear he could not support himself solely in this way, he was ordained in 1752. He became a popular preacher in London, especially from the pulpit of Magdalen House, and in 1763 was appointed chaplain to the king. He received his DD in 1766. He was known as the 'macaroni parson' because of his worldly style of living, became deeply involved in debt, was arrested for forging a bond, was convicted and sentenced to death. The execution was carried out on June 27, 1777. He attacked JW's Arminian views in the Christian Magazine (1760–67), drawing JW's defense. At Dodd's request, JW visited him in prison prior to his execution. See Alumni Catabrigienses; and ODNB.