Births on February 14

Valentine Greatrakes, Irish faith healer (d. 1683)

Valentine Greatrakes (born 14 February 1628, died 28 November 1682), an extraordinary Anglo-Irish gentleman, rose to prominence as a controversial faith healer in 17th-century Europe. Universally known by his descriptive moniker, "The Stroker," or sometimes as "Greatorex," he captivated audiences and stirred intense debate across England during his highly publicized tour in 1666. Greatrakes asserted a divine gift, claiming the ability to cure various ailments and diseases simply through the spiritual act of the laying on of hands, a practice deeply rooted in ancient traditions and religious beliefs.

Born into a respected Protestant family in Affane, County Waterford, Ireland, Valentine Greatrakes initially pursued a more conventional life path. He received an education and served as an officer in the Cromwellian army during the tumultuous Interregnum period, participating in military campaigns in Ireland. After the Restoration, he held positions as a justice of the peace and registrar. It was following personal and political upheavals around 1662 that he reported a profound spiritual awakening, believing he had been endowed with unique healing powers. His initial practices began in Ireland, treating local community members and quickly garnering a reputation.

The Phenomenon of "The Stroker": Greatrakes's Healing Crusade

Valentine Greatrakes's renown as a faith healer reached its zenith during his celebrated – and often sensational – tour of England in 1666. His reputation had spread across the Irish Sea, attracting the attention of prominent figures, including Edward Conway, 1st Earl of Conway, who invited him to England. Greatrakes claimed a supernatural ability, a divine gift, to alleviate and cure a wide array of afflictions. His healing method primarily involved a specific form of manual application, famously described as "stroking" or the laying on of hands, which earned him the indelible nickname "The Stroker."

During his English tour, Greatrakes traveled extensively, visiting significant towns such as London and Worcester, drawing immense crowds of the sick and infirm. People suffering from a diverse range of conditions, including scrofula (known as the "King's Evil"), epilepsy, various fevers, agues, deafness, and forms of paralysis, flocked to him, desperate for relief. His typical method involved touching or rubbing the afflicted area, sometimes even blowing on the patient, while reciting prayers. The public's fascination was undeniable; numerous reports of instantaneous cures, though often unverified by modern scientific standards, contributed to his burgeoning fame and made him a subject of intense public and scientific scrutiny.

Scrutiny and Skepticism: Greatrakes and the Scientific Community

The extraordinary claims of Valentine Greatrakes inevitably attracted the critical attention of England's burgeoning scientific community, most notably the prestigious Royal Society. While some eminent individuals, including the renowned natural philosopher Robert Boyle, observed his practices with a degree of open-mindedness and intellectual curiosity, the prevailing sentiment among many learned circles was one of profound skepticism. Greatrakes's methods and the purported efficacy of his cures were subjected to intense scrutiny, with scientists attempting to differentiate between genuine physiological changes and the powerful influence of suggestion or psychosomatic effects. Accounts of his healings often lacked the rigorous, empirical evidence demanded by the scientific method emerging at the time. Despite testimonials from various individuals, including some respected figures, many physicians and natural philosophers viewed his activities with caution, frequently attributing any perceived improvements to the strong faith of the patient rather than a direct divine or miraculous intervention by Greatrakes himself. Critics also pointed to instances where patients showed no improvement or experienced relapses, questioning the universal efficacy and divine origin of his "stroking" technique. His most notable defense and detailed account of his experiences was published in his 1666 autobiography, "A Brief Account of Mr. Valentine Greatrak's," where he openly rebutted accusations of charlatanism.

Legacy of a Controversial Healer

Valentine Greatrakes's remarkable career as "The Stroker" remains a captivating and significant chapter in the history of medicine, faith, and public belief. His extensive tours sparked widespread public and intellectual debate, bringing into sharp focus the contemporary understanding of disease, the role of spiritual intervention, and the emergent empirical approach to health and healing. He is remembered not just as a faith healer, but as a personality who boldly challenged the established medical practices of his era and tested the very boundaries between piety, psychology, and physiology. His enduring story offers invaluable insights into 17th-century societal views on miracles, natural philosophy, and the persistent human desire for healing, leaving a legacy that continues to be studied by historians of medicine, religion, and the science of the mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Valentine Greatrakes

Who was Valentine Greatrakes?

Valentine Greatrakes was a notable Anglo-Irish faith healer from the 17th century, famous for claiming to cure people through the spiritual act of the laying on of hands, earning him the distinctive nickname "The Stroker."

When did Valentine Greatrakes live?

He lived from February 14, 1628, until November 28, 1682.

What was "The Stroker" referring to?

"The Stroker" was a popular nickname given to Valentine Greatrakes because his primary healing method involved physically touching, stroking, or rubbing the afflicted areas of patients' bodies, often accompanied by prayers.

What kinds of ailments did Greatrakes claim to cure?

Greatrakes claimed to cure a wide variety of conditions, including serious ailments such as scrofula (commonly known as the "King's Evil"), epilepsy, various fevers and agues, deafness, and different forms of paralysis, among many others.

Were Valentine Greatrakes's cures scientifically verified?

While he received numerous testimonials and generated significant public interest and belief, his cures were not scientifically verified according to modern empirical standards. The Royal Society and other learned individuals of his time observed his practices with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism, often attributing any perceived improvements to the powerful influence of suggestion or the patient's strong faith rather than a direct miraculous intervention.