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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Charles C. Lathbury

Charles C. Lathbury

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Councillor H. Adams

Councillor H. Adams

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1 memorial
George Berridge

George Berridge

Commoner on the Bridge House Estates Committee, 1894.

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Alderman Sir Joseph Cockfield Dimsdale

Alderman Sir Joseph Cockfield Dimsdale

Sheriff of the City of London, 1894.  Born Cornhill.  Lord Mayor 1901-2. MP for the City of London from 1900 to 1906. Married Beatrice Eliza Bower Holdsworth in 1873. Our correspondent, Alicia Col...

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1 memorial

Previously viewed

Sir Bernard Katz

Sir Bernard Katz

WC1, Gordon Street, Bernard Katz building

The plaque is to the right of the entrance.

1 subject commemorated, 1 creator
Sutton House (Defoe)

Sutton House (Defoe)

Local Local History have thoroughly researched and reported on the exact location of this house, confirming the plaque location to be correct. That's where this image comes from, captioned: "Drawin...

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1 memorial