There are three men named Richard Clerke in Lancashire parishes in 1548, and two in 1554: at Deane (1548, 36011); Leigh, 1548 and 1554, 36009); Croston (1548 and 1554, 32067).
They may all be the same man, or, possibly two. Leigh and Deane are quite close together, whereas Croston is about 15 miles from both.