Edward Clarke (author) facts for kids

Edward Clarke (1730–1786) was an English church leader and writer. He was known for his travels and his writings about the places he visited.

Edward Clarke: A Life of Learning and Travel

Early Life and Education

Edward Clarke was born on March 16, 1730, in Buxted, Sussex, England. His father, William Clarke, was a well-known expert in old things (an antiquary) and the local church leader (rector) in Buxted. Edward learned a lot from his father's assistant, Mr. Gerison, who was also the head of Uckfield School. He also studied with Jeremiah Markland, another scholar living in Uckfield.

Later, Edward went to Winchester College, a famous school. After that, he attended St John's College at Cambridge University. He earned his first degree in 1752 and became a Fellow (a special academic position) in 1753. He completed his master's degree in 1755. In 1758, he became the rector of Peperharow, a church in Surrey.

A Career in the Church and Abroad

In 1760, Edward Clarke traveled to Madrid, Spain. He went with the Earl of Bristol to work as a chaplain (a priest who serves in a special place, like an embassy or military unit) for the British embassy there. An embassy is like a country's official office in another country.

A few years later, in 1763, he went to Menorca, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. He served as a chaplain and secretary to James Johnston, who was the Lieutenant-Governor (a high-ranking official) of the island. He continued in this role for other governors too.

In 1768, Edward returned to England. He took over as the vicar (another type of church leader) for the churches in Willingdon and Arlington, Sussex. He also became the rector of Buxted, taking over from his father. Because of this, he left his job at Peperharow. Edward's health was not very good, so he decided to focus on writing and teaching. He even taught Thomas Steele and his brother Robert.

Edward Clarke passed away in November 1786, after a period of illness.

His Writings

Edward Clarke's first published work was a poem in Greek. It was written in 1751 for a collection of writings from Cambridge University, mourning the death of Frederick, Prince of Wales.

In 1755, he published "A Letter to a Friend in Italy" and some poems. He also wrote "Letters concerning the State of Spain," which came out in 1763. This book shared details and facts about Spain from his time in Madrid between 1760 and 1761. Another book he wrote was "A Defence of the conduct of the Lieutenant-governor of the Island of Menorca," published in 1767. This book was a response to a printed criticism.

His Family

In 1763, Edward Clarke married Anne Grenfield from Guildford, Surrey. They had three sons. His son, James Stanier Clarke, also became a church leader. Another son, Edward Daniel Clarke, became a famous traveler and professor. Their third son, George, was in the Royal Navy but sadly drowned in the River Thames in 1806. Edward's only daughter, Anne, married Captain William Standway Parkinson, who was a naval officer and fought alongside Admiral Nelson at the famous Battle of Trafalgar.