He was educated at Westminster School, and in 1640 went to Trinity College, Cambridge,[1] taking his bachelor's degree three years later (Cole MS. xlv.
He was employed by George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, along with Samuel Butler and Thomas Sprat, in producing The Rehearsal, a satirical play aimed specifically at John Dryden.
Clifford further attacked John Dryden, butt of The Rehearsal, in a series of letters; an edition of which was issued in 1687 long after the author's death.
During the time of his mastership Clifford published anonymously ‘A Treatise of Humane Reason,’ London, 1674, which was reprinted the following year, and again in 1691 with the author's name on the title-page.
… By A. M., a Countrey Gentleman.’ The last-named tract was in turn dealt with by Albertus Warren, who, at the end of his ‘Apology,’ 1680, left description of Clifford's person and habits.