Adam Clarke Papers

Date range: 1785-1832

Medium: Archive

Papers of Adam Clarke (1762-1832), Wesleyan Methodist minister, theologian and scholar. Adam Clarke was born at Moybeg in the parish of Kilcronaghan, co. Londonderry, the son of a schoolmaster. Converted in 1778, he joined the Wesleyan itinerancy in 1782 and went on to serve an unprecedented three terms as President of Conference (1806, 1814 and 1822).

Outside of Methodism, Clarke enjoyed an international reputation as a scholar despite his lack of university education. He mastered a wide range of subjects, including theology, oriental languages and biblical studies. His most important published work was his Bible Commentary, published in eight volumes between 1810 and 1826.

The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence and associated papers, which were gathered together by Clarke's family after his death. Correspondents include Joseph Benson, Jabez Bunting, Samuel Harpur, George Marsden, Richard Tabraham, Ruth Thurston and Catherine Whitacre. The letters concern Clarke's personal life, his academic pursuits and ministry. The collection also contains biographical materials,fragments of letters, literary fragments, and engravings.

Further information:

• Part of the Methodist Archives and Research Centre (MARC). For more information see our subject page for Methodist Collections.
• Catalogue available online via ELGAR.

Location:

• The John Rylands Library, Deansgate  [Map]
• Find out how to use the reading rooms in the John Rylands Research Institute and Library