Background
John Radcliffe was born on January 23, 1653 at Wakefield, Yorkshire, England. He was the son of George Radcliffe, attorney in Wakefield, Yorkshire.
John Radcliffe was born on January 23, 1653 at Wakefield, Yorkshire, England. He was the son of George Radcliffe, attorney in Wakefield, Yorkshire.
He matriculated at University College, Oxford, and after taking his degree in 1669 was elected to a fellowship at Lincoln College, which he gave up in 1677 when, under the statutes of the college, he was called on to take orders.
Graduating in medicine in 1675, he practised first in Oxford, but in 1684 removed to London, where he soon became one of the leading physicians. He frequently attended William III until 1699, wbgn he caused offence by remarking, as he looked at the King's swollen ankles, that he would not have his legs for his three kingdoms. By his will he left property to University College for founding two medical travelling fellowships and for other purposes. Radcliffe was elected M. P. for Bramber in 1690 and for Buckingham in 1713.