Phineas Fowke facts for kids

Phineas Fowke (1638–1710) was an English doctor. He was known for his medical work and his strong opinions on politics during a time of big changes in England.

Early Life and Education

Phineas Fowke was born in Bishop Burton, Yorkshire, in 1638. His father, Walter Fowke, was also a doctor. Phineas had an important family connection: his mother's brother was Sir John Micklethwaite. Sir John was a famous doctor who worked for King Charles II.

Phineas went to Queens' College, Cambridge, in 1654. He studied hard and earned his first degree in 1658. Later, in 1668, he became a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from Cambridge. His family's medical background clearly helped him choose his career.

Medical Career

After finishing his studies, Dr. Fowke moved to London. He set up his medical practice in an area called Little Britain. In 1680, he became a fellow of the College of Physicians. This was a very important group for doctors in England. Being a fellow meant he was a respected and skilled physician.

Family and Later Years

In 1684, Phineas Fowke married Sarah Corbet in Shrewsbury. Her father was Sir Vincent Corbet, 1st Baronet. Sadly, Sarah passed away just two years later, in 1686.

After his wife's death, Dr. Fowke moved back to his family's home in Shropshire. He lived at Little Wyrley Hall. He died there on January 21, 1710, at the age of 71. He was buried in the church nearby, in Brewood.

Views and Beliefs

Dr. Fowke was interested in more than just medicine. He also studied theology, which is the study of religion. He greatly admired Dr. Seth Ward, who was a bishop. Dr. Fowke strongly agreed with Bishop Ward's ideas about "passive obedience." This was a belief that people should always obey their king, even if they disagreed with him.

Dr. Fowke was very critical of the University of Oxford during the events of 1688. At that time, King James II was trying to change things in Oxford that affected their special rights. Dr. Fowke believed that the university, which often claimed to be very loyal to the king, should have remained obedient. Instead, he felt they complained too much and joined with others to bring in William of Orange. William later became king.