Nantwich, England/nantwich390
Previous | Home | NextThis tiny building behind Sweetbriar, dating from about 1701, housed the school of Priestley which he launched with vigor upon arriving in Nantwich. Six days a week, during the hours of 7:00 until 4:00, he taught about 30 boys and 6 girls. At this school was able to acquire some "philosophical instruments" (air pump, electrical machine, etc.) to expand his teaching curriculum of science. He also taught history, geography, Latin, Greek, and English. He showed his genius for compiling confusing bits and pieces into an understandable whole: he wrote a grammar book (The Rudiments of English Grammar, 1761) which was used by many subsequent scholars and teachers well into the 1800s. His power of keen observation and synthesis were exemplified by his recognizing, for example, the classical eight parts of speech -- recognized to this day. This genius was recognized by others, and after three short years at Nantwich Priestley was flattered by being offered the position of tutor at Warrington, where he moved in 1761.
