Clarke, Samuel (1599-10-10 - 1682-12-25)

Samuel Clarke was born on 10 October 1599, the son of Hugh Clarke, vicar of Wolston, Warwickshire. He attended Coventry School and subsequently matriculated sizar at Emmanuel College, Cambridge in Easter 1617. Clarke graduated B.A. in 1620 and was ordained in c. 1622. He lectured at Coventry and Warwick; following this, he was presented with the rectory of Alcester, Worcestershire in 1633, a living which he held until 1645. In 1643, he became minister of St Benet Fink, London. He was ejected from this living on St Bartholomew's Day, 1662. Other career points of note include his presidency of Sion College and his role in the Savoy Conference. After his ejection, Clarke devoted his attention to writing Protestant hagiographies. Clarke died at Isleworth on Christmas Day, 1682.