Kildare. The family was descended from the Claytons, of Fulwood, in Lancashire, whose estate came to Dr. Clayton by inheritance. The son was, at an early age put to Westminster school, under the tuition of Zachary Pearce, afterwards Bishop of Rochester. The kindness and fidelity of the teacher, and the gratitude and application of the pupil, cemented between them a warm and lasting friendship. From Westminster he was removed to Trinity College, where he made honourable progress, and, in due time, was elected fellow; and afterwards made the tour of France and Italy. In 1729, he was D. D. and besides this literary title, he became F. S. A. and F. R. S. of London. In 1728, he came into possession of an affuent estate, in consequence of his father's death, when he laid down his fellowship without any beneficiary commutation, and married Catharine, daughter of Lord Chief Baron Donellan, and had the generosity and independence to give her fortune, which was but inconsiderable, to her sister. He shewed an equal degree of noble kindness to his own three sisters, and gave each double what had been bequeathed them by his father's will.
Soon after his marriage, he went with his lady to London, where a person in distressed circumstances applied to him for assistance, with a testimony of Dr. Samuel Clarke, for a recommendation; upon which, instead of a small donation, as usual upon such donations, he gave no less than 300l. which was the whole sum which the unfortunate man said was necessary to make him easy in the world. This circumstance made him acquainted with Dr. Clarke, and the result of their intercourse was, that Dr. Clayton was led to embrace Arian principles, to which he adhered through life. Dr. Clarke having informed Queen Caroline of the remarkable beneficence of Dr. Clayton, it made a strong impression on her Majesty's mind in his favour; which impression was strongly enforced by Mrs. Clayton, afterwards Lady Sandon, then in attendance in her Majesty's service, as bed-chamber woman. Such powerful interest procured a recommendation to Lord
