William Clarke (apothecary) facts for kids

William Clarke (born around April 1609 – died 1682) was an apothecary, which was like a pharmacist or chemist back then. He is well-known because he provided a place to live for a young Isaac Newton when Newton was a student at the King's School in Grantham.

William Clarke's Life Story

William Clarke was born in April 1609. We know he had a brother named Joseph, but not much else about his early years. William was married two times. His first wife is unknown, but they had two sons, Joseph and William.

His second wife was Katherine Babington. Katherine already had several children from a previous marriage, including daughters Katherine and Anne, and sons Edward and Arthur Storer. William and Katherine then had two more children together, named John and Martha. Most of William's sons became apothecaries, just like him. Later in life, William retired to Loughborough in Leicestershire and passed his business on to his son, William.

William Clarke and the English Civil War

During the English Civil War, William Clarke supported the Parliamentarians. In 1643, the town of Grantham was taken over by the Royalists, who supported the King. William was accused of a serious crime against the King. However, the Parliamentarians, led by Oliver Cromwell, soon recaptured Grantham, and William was set free.

After the war, William became quite wealthy and owned land. But when the King returned to power during the English Restoration, William lost a lot of his money.

Isaac Newton's Time with William Clarke

In 1654, William Clarke welcomed Isaac Newton into his home. Newton came to live with the Clarke family so he could attend the King's School with William's stepsons, Edward and Arthur Storer. Newton's mother lived about eight miles away in Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth.

Many people who have written about Newton believe that the lessons he learned from William Clarke helped spark his interest in chemistry.

Newton's Mark on the House

William Clarke's grandson, Ralph Clarke, who was also an apothecary, said that Newton left signs of his stay in the attic room where he slept. Newton carved his name into the wooden boards. He also drew pictures on the walls using charcoal, including birds, animals, people, ships, and interesting shapes. It is also said that Newton had a special liking for William Clarke's step-daughter, Katherine Storer.