Edward Clarke (author)

Edward Clarke (1730–1786) was an English cleric and author.

The son of William Clarke the antiquary (1696–1771), and Anne, daughter of Dr. William Wotton, he was born at Buxted, Sussex, where his father was rector, on 16 March 1730. He was taught by his father's curate, Mr. Gerison, the master of Uckfield School, and later by Jeremiah Markland, then also living at Uckfield; and in due course was sent to Winchester College. From there he entered St John's College, Cambridge, took his B.A. degree in 1752, was elected a Fellow in 1753, and proceeded to M.A. in 1755. In 1758 Viscount Midleton presented him to the rectory of Peperharow, Surrey.

In 1760 Clarke went with the Earl of Bristol to serve as chaplain to the British embassy at Madrid. In 1763 he accompanied James Johnston, the Lieutenant-Governor, to Minorca as chaplain and secretary, and held the same post under succeeding governors. In 1768 he returned to England and was inducted to the vicarage of Willingdon and Arlington, Sussex. He also succeeded to the rectory of Buxted, his father being allowed to resign in his favour, and gave up the Peperharow living. His health was poor, and he settled down to a literary life, undertaking the education of Thomas Steele, and his brother Robert.

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