After taking a degree in Medicine at Durham, Clarke was registered as a Doctor in December 1874. He spent two years at Guy's Hospital in London as acting house surgeon.  

In January 1876 he was appointed surgeon to the West Riding House of Correction at Wakefield (Wakefield Prison). Following the retirement of the previous surgeon the Inspector of Prisons had recommended that his replacement should be resident and work full time in that post. Although the Governor and the Chaplain each had a house provided with their position £2250 had to be made available to build one for Dr Clarke.  

He remained as Prison Surgeon until his retirement in September 1908.  

It would seem that Dr Clarke also had a talent as an artist. Using pencil rather than paint he drew many detailed sketches of Wakefield and the surrounding area. These give a fascinating and unique view of life at the end of the 19th, showing people in everyday situations and buildings that have long since been demolished.  

Many of his drawings were bound into a second edition copy of Henry Clarkson's 'Memories of Merry Wakefield' (1889). This volume was bequeathed to Wakefield Corporation in 1960 by Clarke's daughter, Gladys.  

Wakefield Historical Society published a book of Henry Clarke's drawings in 1977 in a limited edition of 1000 copies.    

Further Information
Clarke, Henry: Drawings of Wakefield (Journal of the Wakefield Historical Society Vol. 4, 1977)   This is available for reference at the Local Studies Library, Balne Lane, Wakefield