Vawdrey was born at
St Austell, Cornwall. He was educated at
Epsom College (1862–1869) and received his medical education at
University College Hospital. In 1872, he was awarded a certificate in dental surgery from the university. Vawdrey qualified M.R.C.S in 1873 and L.R.C.P. in 1874. He practiced medicine in Lewisham and was a surgeon for the Royal Kent Dispensary, Greenwich. He was also an
anti-vaccinationist and a vice-president of the
National Anti-Vaccination League. He was President of the Birmingham Vegetarian Society in 1881 and joined the
Vegetarian Society in 1886. The front of the pulpit made from granite at
St Paul's Church, Charlestown was gifted by Vawdrey. Vawdrey died at
East Horsley, Surrey. ==Selected publications==