In 1937 he became Headmaster of Repton School in Derbyshire.[6][7] He led the school during one of the most difficult periods of its history, when mounting debts and falling numbers, together with the effects of the war, led to questions as to the continuing viability of the institution.[8] Clarke was obliged to close houses and departments within the school during this period, successfully keeping it open.
Clarke was ordained in 1938,[9] whilst at Repton, and became Rector of Holy Trinity, St Marylebone in 1945. In 1951 he became Provost of Birmingham Cathedral, and held the post for over a decade, retiring in 1962.
Private life
Clarke was a prominent Freemason,[10] under the United Grand Lodge of England. He held multiple lodge memberships, including the prestigious Royal Somerset House and Inverness Lodge No 4 (which predates even the first Grand Lodge of 1717), and the Royal Alpha Lodge No 16, a private lodge of the Grand Master. He rose to prominence in Birmingham Freemasonry, being appointed Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Warwickshire.[11] He was installed in December 1953 by Roger Lumley, 11th Earl of Scarbrough, Grand Master.[12] He held the position until 1965. He was also a very prominent member of the Holy Royal Arch, holding national office as the Third Grand Principal, one of three conjoint national leaders.
References
^England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1916–2007
