Chronology
Below is a brief chronology of Priestley's life.
| 1733 | Priestley is born on March 13th in Birstall, near Leeds, England |
| 1761-1767 | Priestley Tutors at Warrington Academy |
| 1762 | Priestley marries Mary Wilkinson |
| 1767 | Priestley resumes his ministerial career near Leeds, England and begins his chemical experiments |
| 1773 | Priestley leaves the ministry to serve as a librarian, traveling companion, tutor, and general factotum in the household of the earl of Shelburne |
| 1774 | Priestley Accompanied the Earl of Shelburne on a tour of the continent that included an extended visit to Paris. |
| 1777 | Priestley publishes two of his boldest and most controversial works: Disquisitions relating to matter and Spirit and The Doctrine of Philosophical Necessity. |
| 1780 | Priestley Moves to Birmingham, England. |
| 1791 | The "Priestley Riots" cause Priestley to move to London (where he was hated for his controversial views of the French Revolution). |
| 1793 | Priestley delivers his "Fast Sermon". |
| 1794 | Priestley leaves for America. |
| 1796 | Priestley's beloved wife, Mary, dies |
| 1804 | Priestley dies in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, United States |