Laurence Wright (physician) facts for kids
Laurence Wright (1590–1657) was an English doctor. He was a special physician to Oliver Cromwell and also worked at the Charterhouse.
Early Life and Education
Laurence Wright was born in 1590. He was the third son of John Wright. His family lived near a place called Wright's Bridge, close to Hornchurch in Essex, England.
In March 1608, Laurence began his studies at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), the next year. He then went to Leyden to study medicine in 1612. Later, he returned to Cambridge and received his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1618.
Becoming a Physician
Laurence Wright joined the Royal College of Physicians in London. He became a candidate in December 1618 and a full member, called a fellow, in December 1622. He held important roles there, like censor, in 1628 and 1639. He continued to be an important member of the college until he died in 1657.
Wright was a special doctor, known as a physician in ordinary, to Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell was a very powerful leader in England at that time. Wright also worked as a doctor for the Charterhouse, a famous historical site in London. He started this job in 1624 and later became a governor of the Charterhouse in 1652.
Laurence Wright passed away on October 3, 1657. He was buried in the church at South Weald.
His Family
Laurence Wright married Mary Duke. Her father, John Duke, was also a doctor. Mary lived until February 1698 and was buried next to her husband.
Laurence and Mary had two sons:
- Laurence, their first son, also studied at Cambridge. He became a doctor in 1666.
- Their second son was Henry (1636–1663). Henry was made a special noble, called a baronet, by Oliver Cromwell in 1658. This title was confirmed in 1660. Henry married Anne Crew and they had a son and a daughter. The baronet title ended when Henry's son died in 1681.
