Sir William John Clarke, 1st Baronet (31 March 1831 – 17 January 1895) was an Australian landowner.[1]
He was born on 31 March 1831 at Lovely Banks, Van Diemen's Land, the eldest of three sons of William John Turner Clarke, and his wife Eliza, née Dowling.
He was created a baronet by Queen Victoria - the only Australian-born man to be so honoured. This was in recognition for his many donations, and for his presiding over the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880.
He married Mary Walker in 1860. His son Rupert succeeded him as the 2nd Baronet. The baronetcy of Clarke of Rupertswood is the only active hereditary title in an Australian family.
He is perhaps best known for his possible involvement in the establishment of the Ashes cricket trophy.
| Baronetage of the United Kingdom | ||
|---|---|---|
| New title | Baronet (of Rupertswood) 1882–1895 |
Succeeded by Sir Rupert Clarke, 2nd Bt. |