Godfrey Clarke

Who is Godfrey Clarke?

Godfrey Clarke, was an English politician who represented Derbyshire in the 18th century.

Clarke was the son of Gilbert Clarke of Chilcote and his wife Barbara Clerke daughter of George Clerke of Northamptonshire. The family was long associated with Somersall Hall and had acquired Chilcote Hall in the 17th century and the estate of Sutton Scarsdale between 1736 and 1740.

Clarke was elected Member of Parliament for Derbyshire in 1710. He held the seat until 1734.

Clarke married Catherine Stanhope daughter of Philip Stanhope, 2nd Earl of Chesterfield in 1706. Clarke's son or grandson Godfrey Bagnall Clarke was the last member of the family of Chilcote.

It is recorded that Clarke died 14 March 1734, but that makes it difficult for him to have bought Sutton in dates up to 1740.