William Starkie, son of William Starkie a Manchester tradesman, was a surgeon and man-midwife in King Street, Manchester. He entered Manchester Grammar School in 1751 and in 1759 was apprentice to Charles White. He died of a fever on 3 January 1777 aged 35, leaving his 'surgical and physical' books and instruments to any of his sons who became surgeons. In the year of his death, Starkie was denied the chance to stand for a post at MRI, which was given without election to Richard Hall. This caused some controversy as Starkie was recognised as a 'much senior surgeon in the town', who had attended London Hospitals, travelled abroad, and practised in Manchester for ten years.
See Renaud A short history of......the Manchester Royal Infirmary pp.18-21 for more information on this case.