Lucas Pepys facts for kids
Sir Lucas Pepys (born 1742, died 1830) was a very important English doctor. He was known for being a physician to King George III and for his work with the British army. He also helped support early vaccination efforts.
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Early Life and Education
Lucas Pepys was born in London on May 26, 1742. His father, William Pepys, was a banker. Lucas went to Eton College, a famous school, and then studied at Christ Church, Oxford University. He later studied medicine in Edinburgh before finishing his medical degrees at Oxford.
Becoming a Physician
After his studies, Pepys started working as a doctor in London. In 1769, he became a physician at the Middlesex Hospital. He worked there for seven years. During the summer, he also practiced medicine in Brighton. In 1775, he became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. This is a very respected group for doctors. He held many important roles there, including president from 1804 to 1810.
Doctor to the King
In 1777, Lucas Pepys was appointed a special doctor to the King. In 1792, he became the King's regular doctor. He was even given the title of baronet in 1784, which is a special honor. He also became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1780.
Pepys helped care for King George III when the King was unwell in 1788 and again in 1804. He had to explain the King's health to a group of lawmakers in 1789. He believed the King would get better, and he saw signs of improvement. He spent many hours at Kew Palace looking after the King.
Army Medical Leader
In 1794, Pepys was made the main doctor for the British army. He led a special board that chose all the army doctors. When many soldiers became sick with fever in a place called Walcheren, he was sent to investigate. Because of this event, the medical board was later closed, but Pepys received a special payment for his service.
Later Life and Legacy
Lucas Pepys had a very busy medical practice. He strongly supported Edward Jenner's discovery of vaccination. He helped the National Vaccine Institution, which worked to spread vaccinations. He lived in Park Street, Grosvenor Square, London, and passed away there on June 17, 1830. People described him as a very strong and determined person.
Family Life
Lucas Pepys married Jane Elizabeth Leslie, 12th Countess of Rothes in 1772. She was a countess in her own right, meaning she inherited the title herself. They had two sons, Charles and Henry, and a daughter named Harriet. His sons later inherited his baronet title.
His wife, Lady Rothes, was also a very strong person. She had a long legal fight to prove her right to be the Countess after her brother passed away. After his first wife died, Lucas Pepys married Deborah Askew in 1813.
