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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Nicholas Goodison

Nicholas Goodison

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1 memorial
W. Batley

W. Batley

On the committee of the Stratford Co-operative and Industrial Society in 1919.

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1 memorial
William Pitman

William Pitman

Co-churchwarden at Christ Church, Newgate Street in 1888.

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Thomas Becket

Thomas Becket

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2 memorials
Hackney Town Hall

Hackney Town Hall

The site of an early town hall ('vestry office' in its early days), is still occupied by the building that was used. This is the building in front of St Augustine's - behind the buses in our photo ...

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1 memorial