When did the Lunar Society of Birmingham start and end?
The Lunar Society of Birmingham existed from 1755 to 1813. Historians disagree on exact dates with some arguing it ceased by 1791 while others say it operated as late as 1813.
Questions about Lunar Society of Birmingham
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who were the founding members of the Lunar Society of Birmingham?
Matthew Boulton, Erasmus Darwin, John Whitehurst, William Small, Josiah Wedgwood, Richard Lovell Edgeworth, James Keir, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson formed the core group by 1768. Fourteen individuals have been identified as having verifiably attended meetings regularly over long periods during productive eras.
Why did Joseph Priestley leave the Lunar Society of Birmingham in 1794?
Joseph Priestley left England entirely for the United States in 1794 following the Priestley riots of 1791 in Birmingham. The riots caused political strains between members and drove him from the town after his house was invaded by rioters.
How many people attended regular meetings of the Lunar Society of Birmingham?
Fourteen individuals have been identified as having verifiably attended meetings regularly over long periods during productive eras. Regular meetings are recorded into the nineteenth century with eight in 1800 and five or six before August 1801.
Where is historical material about the Lunar Society of Birmingham stored today?
Historical material related to the Lunar Society of Birmingham is held in multiple collections including the Cadbury Research Library and the Library of Birmingham. No constitution minutes publications or membership lists survive from any period of the society.