James Stanier Clarke facts for kids
James Stanier Clarke (1766–1834) was an English priest and writer. He wrote many books about the navy and history. In 1799, he became the librarian for George, Prince of Wales. This prince later became King George IV.
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Early Life and Education
James Stanier Clarke was born on December 17, 1766. His birthplace was Mahon, Minorca. At that time, his father was a chaplain there. James was the oldest son of Edward Clarke and Anne Grenfield. His brother was Edward Daniel Clarke.
He went to Uckfield School and then Tonbridge School. Later, he studied at St John's College, Cambridge. He became a priest in 1790. He was appointed to the rectory of Preston, Sussex. For a time, he lived in Sussex with his mother. He also lived with William Hayley in Eartham.
Working for the Royal Family
In February 1795, Clarke joined the Royal Navy. He served as a chaplain on HMS Impetueux. He was on this ship from 1796 to 1799. His captain, John Willett Payne, introduced him to George, Prince of Wales. After this, Prince George made Clarke his personal chaplain and librarian. This meant Clarke no longer served on ships.
Clarke continued his studies. He earned a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1806. In 1816, he received a Doctor of Laws degree. In 1812, King George made him the official historian to the king. Clarke was also a member of the Royal Society.
James Clarke and Jane Austen
Around 1815, Clarke met the famous writer Jane Austen. They were introduced by a friend. Clarke showed Austen the library at Carlton House. He also helped arrange for her novel Emma to be dedicated to Prince George.
Clarke gave Jane Austen some ideas for her future books. However, Austen found his suggestions amusing. She even wrote a funny manuscript about them. It was called Plan of a Novel, according to Hints from Various Quarters. This work was not published while she was alive.
Later Royal Appointments
On May 19, 1821, Clarke became a canon of Windsor. He also served as the Deputy Clerk of the Closet to the king. These roles came about through an agreement. King George IV and the Prime Minister, Robert Jenkinson, worked out a deal. This deal involved Clarke's royal appointments.
James Stanier Clarke passed away on October 4, 1834.
His Writings and Books
In 1798, Clarke published a book of Sermons. These were sermons he preached while serving in the navy. He also started a magazine called the Naval Chronicle. He created this with John McArthur. The magazine was about naval history and biographies. It was published every month for twenty years.
In 1803, Clarke published the first part of The Progress of Maritime Discovery. This book was not continued. In 1805, he released Naufragia, or Historical Memoirs of Shipwrecks. This book told stories of shipwrecks and how people survived them.
Famous Biographies
In 1809, Clarke and McArthur published their most important work. It was the Life of Lord Nelson. This book told the story of the famous naval hero, Lord Nelson. It included both official and private letters.
In 1816, Clarke published a Life of King James II. This book used old manuscripts from Carlton House. It contained parts of the king's own autobiography. The original autobiography is now lost.
Clarke also edited other works. He edited William Falconer's poem The Shipwreck. He added notes and a life story of the author. He also edited Lord Clarendon's Essays.
