Maude Clarke facts for kids

Maude Violet Clarke (born May 7, 1892 – died November 17, 1935) was an important Irish historian. She spent her life studying the past, especially the Middle Ages.

Maude Clarke's Early Life and School

Maude Clarke was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on May 7, 1892. She was the only daughter in her family. Her father, Richard James Clarke, was a church leader. Her mother was Anne Nugent Clarke. Maude had three brothers.

In 1903, her family moved to a place called Coole Glebe in Carnmoney, County Antrim. Maude went to school in Belfast. Her father also taught her Latin and Greek at home. During this time, she met Helen Waddell, who became her friend for life.

Education in Dublin and Oxford

From 1905, Maude studied at Alexandra College in Dublin. In 1910, she started at Queen's University Belfast (QUB). She earned top honors in history there.

In 1912, Maude won a special scholarship. This allowed her to study at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University. She graduated in 1915 with a first-class degree in modern history.

Maude Clarke's Career as a Historian

After finishing her studies, Maude Clarke started her career. From 1916 to 1919, she worked at Queen's University Belfast. She filled a teaching spot left by another historian.

Then, she went back to Oxford. She became a history tutor at Somerville College. In 1922, she became a Fellow there, which is a special academic position. By 1933, she was the Vice-Principal of the college.

First Publications and Research

Maude Clarke's first published work was a paper about the Irish parliament. This was during the time of King Edward II. She presented this paper in 1925.

Her first book, The medieval city, came out in 1926. Around this time, she began studying King Richard II. She wrote an article called "The Lancastrian faction and the wonderful parliament." She presented this at a big history meeting in Norway in 1928.

Important Works and Discoveries

Maude Clarke worked with Vivian Hunter Galbraith to publish the Dielacres Chronicle in 1930. This book was about how King Richard II was removed from power.

She also became very interested in iconography. This is the study of images and symbols. She wrote a highly praised article about the Wilton diptych in 1931. At the same time, she was studying old Irish high crosses.

Maude also worked with Noël Denholm-Young. They worked on a book called the Kirkstall Chronicle. They also wrote a paper about "Forfeitures and treason in 1388."

Her Most Important Work

During this time, Maude Clarke started studying something called the "Modus tenendi parliamentum." This is seen as her most important work. It was published after she passed away in 1936. The book was titled Medieval representation and consent. It helped people understand how parliaments worked in the Middle Ages.

Later Life and Legacy

Maude Clarke continued her work even after she became sick with cancer. She split her time between Oxford and resting at home in Carnmoney. Her last article, "The origin of impeachment," was published in 1934.

She had planned to write a book about the 14th century for a big history series. Sadly, she did not live long enough to finish it. Maude Clarke passed away in Carnmoney on November 17, 1935. Her work greatly helped our understanding of medieval history.