People and Events in the 18th Century
Daniel Gumb’s Life in Context
Daniel Gumb lived from 1703 to 1776 – a period of extraordinary change in science, politics, innovation, and culture. Here are some of the key historical figures and events that happened during his lifetime.
Science & Innovation
Key Scientific Minds
Isaac Newton (1643-1727): Revolutionised physics and mathematics with ‘Principia Mathematica‘ – the foundation for Daniel’s self-taught mathematical studies
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790): Polymath and self-taught scientist – like Daniel, proof that formal education wasn’t the only path to knowledge
Edmond Halley (1656-1742): Astronomer who predicted Halley’s Comet – Daniel would have observed the same night skies
Leonhard Euler (1707-1783): One of history’s greatest mathematicians – Daniel’s exact contemporary
Major Inventions & Discoveries
1709: Newcomen’s steam engine – transformed Cornish mining
1731: John Hadley’s sextant – revolutionised the surveying Daniel practiced
1735: Harrison’s marine chronometer – solved longitude problem crucial for accurate mapmaking
1764: Spinning Jenny – revolutionised textiles during Daniel’s lifetime
1769: Watt’s improved steam engine patented – would transform Cornwall’s mining industry
1761: First link between tobacco and cancer established – shows growing scientific enquiry
Politics & Empire
Monarchs
Queen Anne (1665-1714) – reigned during Daniel’s childhood
George I (1660-1727) – first Hanoverian king
George II (1683-1760) – reigned for most of Daniel’s working life
George III (1738-1820) – on throne when Daniel died
Key Events
1721: Robert Walpole becomes first Prime Minister – political system Daniel lived under
1746: Battle of Culloden – last battle on British soil
1757: Battle of Plassey – start of British Empire in India
1770: Captain James Cook discovers Botany Bay (New South Wales, Australia)
1772: Slavery declared illegal in Britain
Arts & Culture
Literature and Publications
1709: The Tatler magazine founded – beginning of modern periodicals
1711: The Spectator newspaper founded – spreading Enlightenment ideas
1719: Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe published – a tale of isolation Daniel might have related to
1726: Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift published – a satire on society Daniel chose to live apart from
1731: Gentleman’s Magazine started – first monthly publication Daniel might have seen
1755: First comprehensive English dictionary created by Samuel Johnson published
Music and Arts
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750): Baroque composer.
George Frideric Handel: Messiah (1741) – premiered during Daniel’s lifetime
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) – born 20 years before Daniel died
William Hogarth (1697-1764): Painter and satirist – chronicling the society Daniel observed
The Royal Academy of Arts was founded in 1768 – cultural institution established in Daniel’s final years
Social Change & Infrastructure
Transport & Construction
1716: Lancelot “Capability” Brown is born – revolutionary landscape architect who redesigned the English countryside
1739-1752: Mansion House in London built
1757: Eddystone Lighthouse rebuilt with hydraulic lime – advances in stone construction
1759: Bridgewater Canal begins – first major canal, improving transport
1760: Turnpikes improve road travel – Toll money collected was used to maintain and improve the road surface
Institutions & Society
1739: Dick Turpin the infamous “highwayman” is hanged
1741: Foundling Hospital established in London – a charitable home for abandoned children and children whose mothers couldn’t support them. Demonstrates the harsh realities of the era and a growing social conscience
1750: Jockey Club formed to regulate horse racing – organised leisure emerging
1752: Britain adopts the Gregorian Calendar and skipped 11 days, moving from September 2nd to September 14th
1759: Botanic Gardens at Kew started by Princess Augusta – scientific gardening embraced
1760: Hamley’s Toyshop opens as “Noah’s Ark” – changing childhood experiences
1760: Hambledon Cricket Club founded – first cricket club, national pastime developing
1771: Lloyd’s insurance founded – business institutions maturing
1774: Luke Hansard begins the official printed record of Parliamentary debates