Valentine Greatrakes : Short Biography

Born on Valentines day, he became known as the 'Healer'. His parents were English Protestant settlers, his mother the daughter of Sir Edward Harris, Chief Justice of Munster. After a brief stay in England during the Muster Rebellion of 1641 he returned to Ireland living at Cappoquin Castle for a year in 'contemplation'.  In 1649 he became lieutenant in the Cromwellian army in the Earl of Orrery's regiment.

In 1649 he was a lieutenant in Lord Broghill's regiment in the English Parliamentary army in Ireland, then campaigning in Munster against the Irish Royalists. In 1656, a great part of the army was disbanded, so Greatrakes retired to Affine, his native place, and was made clerk of the peace for County Cork, Register for transplantation, and a Justice of the Peace. However, he lost these positions after the Restoration.

He believed he could cure people of illnesses and diseases. His first patient was a young boy, William Maher of Salterbridge, Cappoquin who suffered from Scrofula. His fame as a healer spread quickly and he was inundated with people visiting his home. He was forced to move to Youghal. Greatrakes was popularly known as 'The Stroker' because of his method of stroking his patients with his hands. He was invited to England to practice his cures. He attracted huge crowds in London and Robert Boyle witnessed many of his healing sessions.

In 1666 Greatrakes published an account of his life and cures. His funeral entry at the Herald's Office, Dublin recorded that he died on 28 November 1682 at Affane, Co. Waterford and was buried in Lismore Church. However, the Rev. Samuel Hayman writing in the 1860's stated that he is buried in the aisle of the old Affane Church next to his father.