Sir Richard Croft, 6th Baronet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
Richard Croft
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Richard Croft by John James Halls, 1803–1804
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| Born | 9 January 1762 |
| Died | 13 February 1818 |
Sir Richard Croft, 6th Baronet (born January 9, 1762 – died February 13, 1818), was an English doctor. He served the British Royal Family. He was also a special doctor called an obstetrician, who helps women during pregnancy and childbirth. Sir Richard became well-known because of a sad event in 1817. This event is sometimes called "the triple obstetrical tragedy."
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Early Life and Family Connections
Richard Croft was born on January 9, 1762. His birthplace was Dunster Park in Berkshire, England. His parents were Herbert Croft and Elizabeth Young.
In 1789, he married Margaret Denman. Her father, Dr. Thomas Denman, was a very important doctor. Margaret's brother, Thomas Denman, 1st Baron Denman, later became a top judge in England.
Sir Richard and Margaret had four children. Their sons, Thomas and Archer, both became Baronets after their father. A Baronet is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family.
Becoming a Doctor
Richard Croft started learning medicine with Dr. Rupert Chawner. Dr. Chawner was a surgeon and pharmacist in Burton-upon-Trent. After this, Richard went to London to continue his studies.
He learned from Dr. John Hunter, a famous surgeon. He also lived with Dr. Denman, who later became his father-in-law. Dr. Thomas Denman was a leading obstetrician in London. An obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in helping women with pregnancy and childbirth. Dr. Denman had even written a well-known textbook about childbirth.
Richard Croft earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 1789. This was from the University of Oxford. He also became a doctor for King George III.
Becoming a Baronet
Richard Croft became the 6th Baronet of Croft on April 27, 1816. This happened after his brother, Sir Herbert Croft, passed away. His brother did not have any sons to inherit the title. The title of Baronet was connected to Croft Castle in Herefordshire.
The Sad Event of 1817
In February 1817, Princess Charlotte became pregnant. She was the only child of the Prince Regent (who later became King George IV). Sir Richard Croft was chosen to be her doctor.
Following the medical ideas of his time, Dr. Croft put the princess on a strict diet. He also performed a procedure called "bleeding" during her pregnancy. On November 3, 1817, the princess went into labor. Her labor lasted a very long time.
Dr. Croft realized the baby was not in the correct position for birth. However, doctors at that time did not use tools like forceps much in Britain. A caesarean section was also very risky and would likely have caused the princess's death.
After many hours, Princess Charlotte gave birth to a baby boy who was stillborn. Five hours later, the princess herself passed away. Doctors at the time thought she died from internal bleeding. Later, in 1988, experts suggested she might have died from a pulmonary embolism. This is a serious blood clot in the lungs.
Even though Princess Charlotte's husband and father thanked Dr. Croft, he was very upset. He was deeply affected by the sad outcome. The king ordered an investigation, and other doctors said Dr. Croft had done his best.
Sir Richard Croft died on February 13, 1818, just a few months after the princess. He was so distraught by the events that he passed away. Near his body, a book by Shakespeare was found open. It was a play called Love's Labour's Lost.
This event is known in medical history as "the triple obstetrical tragedy." This is because of the loss of the baby, the mother, and the doctor.
Sir Richard Croft and his wife are buried at St James's Church, Piccadilly in London. There is a memorial inside the church to remember them.
Images for kids
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A memorial to Sir Richard, 6th Baronet, and Lady Croft in St James's Church, Piccadilly.
