She married her cousin Charles Godolphin (c.1650–1720) in 1687; he was a Member of Parliament for Helston, Cornwall, and held government offices including (from 1691) a post as customs commissioner.

According to the terms of her will, the students were to be daughters of members of the Church of England,[1] between eight and twelve years of age, born in Salisbury or some other part of Wiltshire,[4] and to have had "some portion left to them but not exceeding £400".

[5] The new charity was initially to be administered by her nephew William Godolphin and his heirs;[1] the Dean and Chapter declined to take on the task.

[1] The school did not open its doors until 9 August 1784, when it was based in Rosemary Lane, in the Cathedral Close, Salisbury.

[1] In 1789 the school promised a regime of early rising, "agreeable exercise" and a diet of wholesome books "such as enlarge the heart to Virtue and excellency of Sentiment".

[8] Godolphin School makes available substantial contributions to the fees of some students as part of their founder's legacy.