Background
Clegg was born at Shawfield in the parish of Rochdale, Lancashire, on 26 October 1679 and was educated by the Review Richard Frankland at Rathmell in Yorkshire and, later, by the Review John Chorlton at Manchester.
Clegg was born at Shawfield in the parish of Rochdale, Lancashire, on 26 October 1679 and was educated by the Review Richard Frankland at Rathmell in Yorkshire and, later, by the Review John Chorlton at Manchester.
He remained at Chinley until his death, on 5 August 1755. He qualified himself as a medical man and obtained the degree of Doctor of Medicine This step was no doubt taken in order that he might have the means of adding to the slender income he would receive as a village dissenting pastor. During his long residence in the Peak district he gained great respect for his distinguished abilities and kindly character.