Joseph Priestley (1733-1804)
Born in Birstall, Yorkshire and raised in nearby Heckmondwike, amongst other things Priestley discovered oxygen, opposed slavery and pushed for votes for all men. Without him we wouldn't have carbonated drinks, the eraser, hydrochloric acid and various gases included nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas. In 1774 he discovered oxygen gas in the laboratory at Bowood House, Wiltshire, when he was tutor to the sons of the 1st Marquess of Landsdowne.
Places to visit
Priestley's statue has pride of place in this small market town and the Priestley Society meets regularly in the Old Hall in nearby Heckmondwike.
Here you can see the ante-room, still called The Laboratory, as you wander around this lovely historic house.
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