Edward Alston facts for kids

Sir Edward Alston (born 1595, died 1669) was a very important doctor in England. He became the president of the Royal College of Physicians, a famous group of doctors. He married Sussana Hussey, who was the widow of a wealthy London fishmonger named Jasper Hussey. Jasper had left her a lot of valuable property in a part of London called Billingsgate. Sir Edward's daughter, Sarah, later became a very generous supporter of good causes.

Life of a Famous Doctor

Sir Edward Alston was born in Suffolk, England. He went to St. John's College, Cambridge for his education. He earned his first degree in 1615 and became a doctor in 1626.

Leading the College of Physicians

In 1631, Sir Edward was chosen to be a member of the College of Physicians. He later became its president, leading the college from 1655 to 1666. When King Charles II returned to the throne in 1660, he made Edward Alston a knight.

Sir Edward helped make the college stronger. During the English Civil War, many doctors had practiced medicine without the college's official permission. Sir Edward wisely decided to welcome these doctors into the college. He made seventy of them "honorary fellows" at once. The money they paid to join helped fill the college's nearly empty treasury.

Challenges and Changes

However, the college faced tough times. In 1665, during a terrible plague, thieves broke into the college and stole all the money. The very next year, the The Great Fire of London caused even more damage. The fire destroyed much of the city, including parts of the college.

Sir Edward promised to give money to help rebuild the college. But then, a disagreement started about where the new college building should be. Because of this argument, he was not chosen as president again. He then decided not to give the money he had promised.

Sir Edward Alston lived in Great St. Helens, a part of Bishopsgate in London. He passed away on December 24, 1669, and was known to be very wealthy.

One of his two daughters, Sarah, became a very important person who gave a lot of money to help others. This was partly thanks to a clever agreement made before her marriage.