Charlotte E. M. Bamforth (née Williams)   18.12.1965 - 13.07.2025, Taught at Pangbourne  2000 - 2014

Charlotte was born into an Army family—her father commanded the Welsh Guards—and she attended St Francis’ College, Letchworth, as a boarder. There, she went on to become Head Girl and gained a place at Cambridge. She had aspirations of becoming a vet but settled for Natural Sciences, as she spent ever more time on the river, rowing for college and, ultimately, winning the 1987 Boat Race.

After graduating, she worked for Citibank and rowed for Great Britain, achieving a bronze medal at the World Championships. However, injury curtailed her sporting career, and she missed out on Olympic selection. She met and married James Bamforth and joined him at Radley, where she began her teaching and coaching career before both moved on to Pangbourne.

Throughout her career, Charlotte taught Biology with distinction, taking pride in all her students at Pangbourne College. She was Head of Biology, Head of Science, and a tutor, and she was a hugely supportive presence in Macquarie Division during her years as the housemaster’s wife. She inspired generations of students not only academically but personally. Her teaching extended far beyond the classroom—instilling resilience, curiosity, and kindness. Many former pupils credit her with sparking their love of science or guiding them through difficult times with compassion, encouragement, a vigorous training regime, or the ever-ready offer of some delicious food.

Charlotte coached hockey and rowing in the early 2000s, yet she was as passionate—if not more so—about the equestrian world. Under her guidance, riding “became a thing” at the College, and she was delighted to see it grow from strength to strength. She mentored countless riders and drew on her knowledge of elite sport, animals, and the human condition to offer guidance that built confidence and skill in both horse and rider.

Her home was always a source of lgreat joy and a hub of activity and support, welcoming family, friends, students, colleagues, and animals alike. Encouragement and advice—whether parental, academic, pastoral, or sporting—were often sought and freely given, mug of tea in hand, from the other side of a table laden with food appropriate to the occasion. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel at ease, involved, and valued.

She and James enjoyed a loving, often frantic, family life, raising Elizabeth, Paddy, and Hamish with enthusiasm and encouragement, leavened with humour. Charlotte was immensely proud of her children and adored her grandson, Arthur, to whom she was thrilled to have the chance to be a granny—even as she succumbed to the cancer that was to claim her too quickly.

Charlotte died peacefully on Sunday 13 July aged 59, surrounded by her family. She died from a brain tumour and, in characteristic style, donated her body to medical science. It was unsurprising that her memorial service was standing-room only, attended by many colleagues, former parents, and pupils of the College.