Who Was Joseph Priestley (1733 - 1804)?
Joseph Priestley was a scientist, a political theorist and a clergyman. He is most famously known as the discoverer of oxygen in 1774 and has been given titles such as the father of modern chemistry and been seen as a champion of human rights and a new religious thinker. He was born in England but after facing intolerance and persecution moved to Pennsylvania, America. He has contributed greatly to political, religious and philosophical thought and was crucial to their future development.
A major role of the Priestley Society is to spread information regarding Priestley himself. Not only can information be found on the website in the Priestley section but we also provide a helpful list of links to other areas of information on the internet and have a shop section which provides a list of books for further reading about Priestley.
Read More About Priestley
Latest Publication
Joseph Priestley a celebration of his life and legacy
The second Priestley Society Publication "Joseph Priestley a celebration of his life and legacy" is now complete, this is a book of approximately 284 pages with over 200 photgraphs, many in colour. It covers all the bicentennial year celebrations. This book would be an excellent place to start learning more about Joseph Priestley. It contains lectures, illustrations and articles regarding Priestey's contribution to science, politics, education and religion.
The book costs £20 (+£4 postage UK) or $36 (+$16 postage US). For more information we can be contacted at contactus@priestleysociety.net. To buy the book please send a cheque or PO with contact details to:
Hon. Sec.
Priestley Society
6 Beech Way
Birstall
W. Yorks
WF17 0EG
 Updated shop section
Two recent publications with information on Unitarianism and theological information have been added to the shop
section. Priestley was an important Unitarian and theologian and these books are a good source for learning more about this part of Priestley's character.
Priestley Leeds Heritage Walk
By Joe Lee
On Tuesday March 13, Priestley’s birthday, the Society's AGM was held at Leeds Library on Commercial Street in Leeds. The Library had been cofounded by Priestley in 1768. Prior to that meeting, a number of Priestley Society members, together with a few Library subscribers including its President, were conducted by Geoffrey Forster (the Librarian and Society member) in a tour of the region near the Library to view places associated with Priestley during the time when he was Unitarian Minister at Mill Hill Chapel. Starting in City Square, the party viewed the Priestley statue and both the exterior and interior of the Chapel. From there, the group moved to Albion Place to view the exterior of the present premises of the Leeds Law Society. During Priestley’s day, this had been the home of William Hey, an eminent surgeon and close friend of Priestley. Before returning to the present Library, the tour visited its original site on Kirkgate, subsequently to become the site of the Golden Cockerel Public House; the only visible evidence now of either establishment is a plaque featuring a gold cockerel. On returning to the present Library, both its exterior and the interior were examined in some detail before the provision of a splendid buffet meal, excellent presentations by Geoffrey Forster, Liz Kingston and Les Woodcock, and the AGM itself.
Images from the walk can be seen in the Gallery Section.
Priestley Society
Welcome to the Priestley Society! The Society was founded in 2004 and became a registered charity in June 2006. We aim to spread knowledge regarding Joseph Priestley, his acheivments as well as his significance today. The Society has published books, been involved with local radio (more information here) and fostered contacts throughout the world. Please email us if you have any specific queries or information regarding Priestley or the Society. Furthermore, if you have any comments on the appearance or content of the website you can also contact the webmaster.
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Membership
All visitors may join the Priestley Society. Membership is simple and quick to do. Members will receive minutes of the meetings and, as of the summer, a new Society newsletter. Being a member also means you can easily give the Society a reference in any emails you send us and generally shows your support for the Society.
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Mission Statement
The advancement of education in Joseph Priestley of Birstall and Heckmondwike (1733-1804), in particular by celebrating and honouring his legacy, preserving local heritage and items of historic interest and educating the public on his contribution towards education, science, religion and politics.
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