The 1st August 2024 marks the 250th anniversary of oxygen being isolated in the Laboratory at Bowood House by Dr Joseph Priestly.
Joseph Priestley born 1733 in Yorkshire, was an English chemist, natural philosopher, separatist theologian, grammarian, multi-subject educator, and liberal political theorist. He published over 150 works, and conducted experiments in several areas of science.
From 1773 to 1780, Priestly lived at The Green in Calne after Lord Shelbourne employed him as librarian and tutor to his children at Bowood House. It was in 1774 that Priestley ‘discovered’ oxygen, in a lab built specially for him at Bowood.
To mark this anniversary, a group of residents are busy planning some events and activities to celebrate. Proposals so far include a ‘guided walk around Calne in the footsteps of Priestley’, a mural, a quilting project, science packs for schools, a writing competition, a science activity day for children at the Pocket Park, an exhibition at the Heritage Centre, and a public lecture .
The group welcome any further ideas or offers of help - you can contact them here:
