Peter Barwick facts for kids

Peter Barwick was a famous doctor.

Peter Barwick (born 1619, died 1705) was an English doctor and writer. He lived a long time ago, during a period of big changes in England, including civil wars and a terrible plague.

Early Life and Education

Peter Barwick was the younger brother of John Barwick. Both brothers went to Sedbergh School and then to St John's College, Cambridge. Peter was a very good student there.

However, his studies were interrupted by the First English Civil War. This was a time when the King and Parliament were fighting. Because of the war, Peter had to leave Cambridge for a while.

Becoming a Doctor

After the war, Peter Barwick went back to Cambridge in 1647. He earned his Master's degree and began to study medicine. He became a strong supporter of Charles II of England, who was the King.

In 1655, Peter Barwick earned his M.D. degree, which means he became a fully qualified doctor. Two years later, he opened his own house in London. He was also chosen to be a fellow of the College of Physicians in 1655. This was a very important group for doctors in England.

Life in London

When King Charles II returned to the throne in 1660 (an event called the English Restoration), Peter Barwick was made one of the King's personal doctors. He was especially known for treating diseases like smallpox and different kinds of fevers.

Helping During the Great Plague

In 1665, the Great Plague of London hit the city. This was a terrible disease that caused many people to die. Most doctors left London to escape the plague, but Peter Barwick was one of the few who stayed. He continued to care for sick people and help the clergy (church leaders) who also stayed.

Moving After the Great Fire

The plague did not make him leave, but the Great Fire of London in 1666 did. His house was burned down along with St Paul's Cathedral. After the fire, he moved to a new home near Westminster Abbey. He lived there for many years, helping people and writing.

Peter Barwick continued to be an important member of the College of Physicians. He served as a "censor" several times, which meant he helped make sure doctors followed the rules. In 1694, his eyesight failed, so he stopped practicing medicine. He lived for another eleven years and passed away on September 4, 1705.

His Writings

Peter Barwick was a supporter of William Harvey's amazing discovery about how blood circulates (moves around) in the body. Some people say Barwick wrote one of the best books about this topic at the time.

However, he is mostly remembered for writing a book about his brother, John Barwick. He started writing it in Latin in 1671. The book, called "Vita Joannis Barwick" (Life of John Barwick), was published in 1721. An English translation came out in 1724.

Family Life

Peter Barwick and his wife Anne had one daughter, Mary.

Peter Barwick and his wife, Anne, had one daughter named Mary (1645-1723). Mary married Ralph Dutton in 1678. Later that same year, King Charles II made Ralph Dutton a baronet, which is a special title of honor.

Through his daughter Mary, Peter Barwick became an ancestor of several important families in England, including the Barons Sherborne and the Earls of Lichfield.