He was an early convert to Calvinism and in 1538 fled to Protestant England, where he settled as a bookseller at Bulkeley Hall, since incorporated into Oriel College, Oxford.
In addition to his bookselling business he also sold stationery, becoming official stationer to the University, and in 1546 was licensed to sell wine as well.
In 1556 Harkes's house was a meeting place for Protestants who, on account of the Marian Persecutions, worshipped in a cellar there.
[3] Harkes had a number of sons, some of whom carried on the bookselling business in the later years of the century.
As late as the end of the seventeenth century the family name was often written Garbrand, alias Herks.