Clarke, Thomas [or Thomas Sinclair] (Knedlington, Yorkshire, 19th century)

The Clarkes of Knedlington: Thomas Clarke was born at Spaldington and baptised at Bubwith in 1796. He was the only son of William Clarke of Spaldington and his wife Ann (née Elmer). Thomas married in 1825 Sarah, the eldest daughter of the Rev. Eric Rudd of Thorne. The couple had four sons, but only one survived his parents—Thomas Sinclair Clarke, born on 3 February 1831.

Family crest: Argent, on a chevron gules between three wolves’ heads erased azure (two in chief and one in base), three roses of the field; on a canton sable a lion’s head erased or. On a chapeau azure turned up ermine, two wings expanded; above, the word “Elmer”. Motto: The time will come. Below the achievement: “Clarke”; beneath, “Tredlington, Yorks.”