Clarkson, Thomas (1783-1785)

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Adm. sizar (age 19) at ST JOHN'S, June 22, 1779. S. of William, clerk, of Wisbech, Cambs., and Master of the Wisbech Grammar School. B. Mar. 26 (or 28), 1760. School, St Paul's. ' Matric. Michs. 1779; Scholar, 1780; Prizeman; B.A. 1783; M.A. 1786. Ord. deacon (Winchester, Litt. dim. from London) June 23, 1783. Did not take Priest's Orders; later refused any title except as a layman. Domestic Chaplain to the Earl of Portmore, 1785. Awarded first prize for his Essay Against Slavery; recalled to Cambridge to read it at the Commencement in 1785. On his return journey to London, when coming in sight of Wade's Mill in Hertfordshire, he dismounted and sat down by the roadside to ponder the contents of his Essay. There and then determined to devote himself to the abolition of the Slave Trade and thenceforth gave up his time and energies to the movement, spending in the effort most of his private fortune. Made the acquaintance of Wilberforce, who became interested in the movement and subsequently raised the matter in the House of Commons. Travelled all over England collecting evidence as to the cruelty of the traffic and enlisting public sympathy; went to Paris to gain the support of the French Government, 1789-99 and visited the Czar, 1818. A Vice-President of the Anti-Slavery Society. His name, with that of Wilberforce, permanently associated with the abolition of the slave trade. Granted the freedom of London, 1839. Lived latterly at Playford Hall, near Ipswich, as a gentleman farmer. A road at Cambridge is named after him. Married Catherine, dau. of Robert Buck, of Newton, Suffolk, Jan. 19, 1796. Author, History of the Rise, Progress and Accomplishment of the Abolition of the Slave Trade by the British Parliament; A Memoir of William Penn; Numerous pamphlets and tracts. Died Sept. 26, 1846, at Playford Hall. Buried at Playford. A monument was erected to his memory on the hill above Wade's Mill. Father of Thomas (1813). (St John's Coll. Adm., IV; D.N.B.)

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