Donata Irena Trotman-Dickenson

Donata Irena, Lady Trotman-Dickenson , known as Danusia (1929 - 28 June 2024), was a Polish economist who had settled in the United Kingdom as a child refugee during World War II. She earned her PhD from the University of Edinburgh and held teaching positions at a number of universities, retiring as Professor Emerita at University of Glamorgan. Later in life, she was known for her work in promoting history education in Wales, notably through founding the Welsh Heritage Schools Initiative in 1990 and chairing the organisation until 2011.

Early life Lady Trotman-Dickenson was born Donata Irena Hewell in 1929 in Warsaw, Poland. The family resettled in Linlithgow, Scotland, where Trotman-Dickenson continued her schooling.

Having earned her PhD, she moved to Aberystwyth with her husband, Aubrey, who she had married in 1953. Danusia worked as a tutor and Aubrey headed the Chemistry department, both at Aberystwyth University.

History education In 1990, Lady Trotman-Dickenson founded the Welsh Heritage Schools Initiative - a competition to encourage the teaching of local history and heritage at Welsh schools. Initially founded under the Institute of Welsh Affairs, Trotman-Dickenson also chaired the initiative in its first 12 years and was appointed Honorary Life President when she stepped down.

Recognitions For her service to education, Lady Trotman-Dickenson was appointed as Member of the British Empire in the 2010 Birthday Honours. In 2018, she was named by Women’s Equality Network Wales in its list of 100 "legendary women" (50 living women and 50 historical women) who "made a big impact on Welsh life".

Personal life Danusia and Aubrey Trotman-Dickenson married in 1953. They had previously met while working in Manchester. Aubrey Trotman-Dickenson was himself an academic, a professor of Chemistry who went on to become Vice-chancellor of Cardiff University (1968-1993).

The Trotman-Dickensons resided in Cardiff for most of their working life, before relocating to Siston, Gloucestershire in their retirement. They remained married until Sir Aubrey's death in 2016. She also served as a member of the South Gloucestershire Police Independent Advisory Group, where she was recognised for her work in representing the Polish community.

Lady Trotman-Dickenson died on 28 June 2024, aged 95. Her funeral was held on 5 July the same year. She was survived by two sons, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Published works