Thomas Clayton (physician) facts for kids

Sir Thomas Clayton (born around 1612 – died 4 October 1693) was an important English doctor and a university professor. During his father's life, he was known as Thomas Clayton the Younger. He also served as a member of the House of Commons in 1660, which is a part of the English Parliament where laws are made.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Clayton was the son of another famous doctor, Thomas Clayton, who lived in Oxford. His father was the last leader of a place called Broadgates Hall and the first leader of Pembroke College at Oxford University.

Young Thomas started studying at Oxford University on 25 May 1627 when he was about fifteen years old. He worked hard and earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (BA), on 22 January 1629. He then earned a Master of Arts (MA) degree on 17 October 1631. In 1633, he was part of Gray's Inn, which was a place where people studied law.

Becoming a Doctor

Thomas Clayton continued his studies in medicine at Oxford. He earned his Bachelor of Medicine (B.Med.) degree on 18 July 1635. Later, he achieved the highest medical degree, Doctor of Medicine (D.Med.), on 19 June 1639.

From 1647 to 1665, he followed in his father's footsteps and became the Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford. This was a very important teaching position in medicine at the university.

Public Service and Later Life

In 1660, Thomas Clayton was chosen to be one of the two Members of Parliament for Oxford University. He served in a special meeting of Parliament called the Convention Parliament. This Parliament was important because it helped bring back the king to England after a period of civil war.

He was honored with a knighthood on 27 March 1661, which meant he was given the title "Sir." From 1661 until he died in 1693, Sir Thomas Clayton was the head of Merton College, Oxford, another college at Oxford University.

Sir Thomas Clayton lived in a place called La Vache in Buckinghamshire. He passed away when he was 80 years old.