Henry Clerke facts for kids

Henry Clerke was an important English scholar and doctor who lived a long time ago, from about 1619 to 1687. He became the leader, or President, of a famous college at Oxford University called Magdalen College in 1672.

Early Life and Education

Henry Clerke was born around 1619 in a town called Willoughby in Warwickshire, England. His father was Thomas Clerke. When Henry was 16 years old, in 1635, he started his studies at Magdalen Hall, which was part of Oxford University.

He later received a special scholarship, called a demyship, at Magdalen College itself. This allowed him to continue his studies there. From 1642 to 1667, he worked as a fellow at the college. A fellow is like a teacher or researcher who helps run the college.

Henry Clerke earned his first university degrees:

• He became a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in 1641.
• He then earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1644.

During his time at Magdalen College, he taught logic in 1643. He also held important jobs like bursar, which meant he managed the college's money, and vice-president, a leadership role.

Medical Career and Achievements

Henry Clerke continued his education and became a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in 1652. This meant he was a fully qualified doctor. He also became part of Cambridge University in 1673.

In 1657, he was chosen to be a deputy lecturer in anatomy at Oxford. This meant he helped teach about the human body. He also joined important medical groups:

• He became a candidate of the Royal College of Physicians in 1658. This is a group for important doctors.
• He became a full fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 1669.
• In 1667, he was also made a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group for scientists.

Leading Magdalen College

In 1672, the previous President of Magdalen College, Thomas Pierce, stepped down. Henry Clerke was then chosen to be the new President on March 5, 1672. To be fully ready for this important job, he decided to become a priest shortly after.

He continued to lead Magdalen College until he passed away. In 1676, he was also given another very important role: Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. This meant he was in charge of the entire university for a year.

Henry Clerke died on March 24, 1687, when he was 68 years old. He was buried in Willoughby, the same town where his family was from. Later, a special monument was put up in the church there to remember him.

Family Life

Henry Clerke married a woman named Catherine. She passed away in 1669 when she was 33 years old. Catherine was the fourth daughter of William Adams from Northamptonshire.

Henry and Catherine had two children:

• A son, also named Henry, who sadly died in the same year as his mother.
• A daughter named Catherine.

In 1682, his daughter Catherine married Richard Shuttleworth. Richard was from a place called Gawthorpe Hall in Lancashire and was studying at Trinity College, Oxford, at the time.