William Clarke was the apothecary who provided lodgings for a young Sir Isaac Newton whilst he attended Grantham grammar school. Isaac Newton also had a brief romance with his daughter, Miss Storer. He eventually rented the apothecary shop to his son, William Clarke Jr. and retired to Loughborough in Leicestershire.

Triva

• His will, dated June, 1671 contains a provision that if the benefactors did not show gratitude they would receive nothing.
• The Clarke's are related, by marriage, to the Anthony Babington.