Person    | Male  Born 6/1/1706  Died 17/4/1790

Benjamin Franklin

Natural philosopher, writer, revolutionary politician and inventor. Born Boston, Massachusetts. Crossed the Atlantic 8 times, living for many years apart from his wife and children. A keen swimmer, he often swam in the Thames. Once swam from Chelsea to Blackfriars performing tricks on the way for the benefit of his friends in a boat alongside. 

Spent 1724-6 in London working in the printing business and wrote a pamphlet.  Was in London again, 1757-62 staying at 7 Craven Street, petitioning the British authorities on behalf of the Pennsylvania assembly. In London again, 1764-75, to petition king George III. 1783 signatory to the Treaty of Paris. Owned as many as 7 slaves and expressed the racist views that were common at the time, but later became an outspoken critic of slavery.

Quote: "Nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes." Invented: a heat-efficient stove - the "Franklin", bifocal glasses and swimming flippers. Died in Philadelphia.

His Autobiography is very readable.

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Benjamin Franklin

Commemorated ati

Benjamin Franklin

Franklin lived here for two extended stays between 1757 and 1775. This is the...

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Diplomatic Gates

The spelling is probably a good indication of which country funded this memor...

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Other Subjects

William Cavendish, 7th Duke of Devonshire

William Cavendish, 7th Duke of Devonshire

Born Berkeley Square. Inherited the Dukedom from his cousin the 6th Duke, who died 1858. Father of Spencer Compton, the 8th Duke. Inherited land in Eastbourne, where a statue was erected for him.

Person, Philanthropy, Politics & Administration

1 memorial
Edward H. Oxenham

Edward H. Oxenham

On a Genes Reunited forum we found this:  "Are this lot in Lewisham (very close to Brixton/Rotherhithe) related: Dad is a municipal clerk - quite well off, 2 servants. Name: Edward H Oxenham Age: 4...

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1 memorial
Henry Phipps, 1st Earl of Mulgrave

Henry Phipps, 1st Earl of Mulgrave

Soldier and politician.  Political roles included:  Foreign Secretary, First Lord of the Admiralty and, 1810 - 1819, Master-General of the Ordnance.  It was during this time that the Cadiz memorial...

Person, Politics & Administration

1 memorial
William Strahan

William Strahan

The Aldersgate printer of John Wesley's Journal. Born Edinburgh.  Also printed the works of Samuel Johnson, David Hume, Adam Smith and Edward Gibbon.

Person, Commerce, Journalism / Publishing, Politics & Administration, Religion, Scotland

1 memorial
Philip Stanhope, 5th Earl Stanhope

Philip Stanhope, 5th Earl Stanhope

Philip Henry Stanhope was a historian, statesman and a founder of the National Portrait Gallery.

Person, History, Politics & Administration

1 memorial

Previously viewed

Zeppelin bomb

Zeppelin bomb

WC2, Old Square, Chapel undercroft

In the photograph the plaque is just to the right of the arch.

2 subjects commemorated
William Vincent

William Vincent

SW1, Vincent Square, Junction with Hatherley Street

The terracotta plaque and Nabresina stone tablet, were commissioned by the residents' association to commemorate the bicentenary of the a...

2 subjects commemorated, 2 creators
Murder in the Cathedral - London premiere

Murder in the Cathedral - London premiere

This verse play by TS Eliot concerning the murder of Becket, had its London premiere at The Duchess Theatre in 1936.

Event, Theatre

1 memorial
Treatment Rooms 2 - Josiah Charles Stamp

Treatment Rooms 2 - Josiah Charles Stamp

W5, 199 Acton Lane

Stamp was a director of the Bank of England, not President. Northern Rock (previously Northern Rock Building Society)  was a British bank...

1 subject commemorated, 1 creator
Charles Wesley

Charles Wesley

Born Epworth, Lincolnshire. Renowned Hymn writer. 21 May 1738 experienced his conversion (3 days before his brother's) at John Bray’s home where he was seriously ill in bed. Buried at the old paris...

Person, Music / songs, Religion

8 memorials