Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Timeline: 1767 - 1835
-
1768Leeds Subscription Library Founded
Financed by influential residents of Leeds including members of Mill Hill Chapel. Joseph Priestley was its first Secretary and a founding member.
-
1771Leeds Infirmary opens
The first purpose-built building of the Infirmary was built near Park Square in Leeds.
-
1773William Wood becomes Reverand of Mill Hill ChapelMore about William Wood
Botanist and political reformer, Wood was invited to become Minister after Preistley resigned his post.
-
1789The French RevolutionThe impact of the French Revolution on Mill Hill
Many Unitarians, including the congregation at Mill Hill Chapel, supported the French Revolution and the enlightened ideals that encouraged it.
-
1791Birmingham “Church and King” riots
A mob rioted against ‘radicals’ who gathered to celebrate the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. Joseph Preistley was targeted and suffered great loss.
-
1799Combination Act
This act prevented the creation of Trade Unions.
-
1801Great Britain became the United Kingdom
Great Britain and Ireland were merged into the United Kingdom on 1 January 1801 as a result of the Acts of Union (1800).
-
1813The Toleration Act extended on the same basis as Trinitarians
This provided Unitarians ‘freedom to worship on the same trinitarians’ (Wykes, ND).
-
1828Repeal of the Test and Corporation Act
The repeal of these Acts facilitated parliamentary reform and extended franchise to Unitarians.
-
1767Joseph Priestley becomes Minister of Mill Hill Chapel, and a change of faithMore about Joseph Priestley
Under the influence of Reverend Joseph Priestley, Milll Hill moved from a Presbyterianism Chapel to a Unitarian Chapel.
-
1770The Leeds Liverpool canal
The first phase of construction on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal began. This opened up opportunities for more efficient trade routes and helped to develop Leeds as an industrial centre.
-
1773Priestley’s last sermon in Leeds
Priestley delivered his last sermon at Mill Hill on the 16th of May so he could further his scientific career, but his time in Leeds would always be a part of his life he looked fondly on.
-
1775White Cloth Hall opens
-
1790British General Election
The 17th General Election saw the Whig Prime Minister, William Pitt the Younger, secure his seat for a second term.
-
1795Seditious Meetings Act
An act that restricted the ability to form a public assembly of more than fifty people.
-
1800Acts of Union passed
The unification of Britain and Ireland was written into law.
-
1808Thomas Jervis becomes Minister of Mill Hill Chapel
-
1826John Marshall becomes MP for YorkshireMore about John Marshall and other influetial congregation members from this period
The first Unitarian MP in Yorkshire.
