Richard Torlesse, MD, was descended from an old Berkshire family. He was entered at St John’s college, Oxford, as “of founder’s kin,” in 1653, and proceeded doctor of medicine, as a member of that house, 19th June, 1666. He was admitted a Candidate of the College of Physicians 1st October, 1672, and a Fellow 29th July, 1675. He was Censor in 1694, 1695, 1696, 1700, 1701, and was named Elect, in place of Dr Downes, deceased, 17th October, 1694.

Dr Torlesse resided in Budge-row, in the parish of St Antholins, and was physician to St Thomas’s hospital, where his name might be seen among the “benefactors towards the new building and adorning of this hospital, which was begun in the year 1693,” as the donor in 1694 of 3l. About that time St Thomas’s hospital was under an engagement with the Government for the care of sick and wounded seamen, who were sent there, and it is stated that owing to some neglect of duty or breach of contract in this matter Dr Torlesse was very heavily fined. This may partly account for the fact that as he advanced in years he fell into great poverty, and on the 12th September, 1705, “The President proposed to all the members the case of Dr Torlesse, who had fallen into poverty, and it was agreed that the Beadle should go to every member of the College, to collect their charity for him.” On the 21st September, 1708, he resigned his place of Elect.

Dr Torlesse married Bridget, the youngest daughter of Christopher Browne, esquire, of Tolethorpe, Stamford, by Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Edward Harrington, of Ridlington, bart, and left by her two sons, Christopher and Anthony. In 1717 his widow married again.(1)

William Munk

[(1) Information from Edward Living, MD.]