Set out on this and the following pages are some of the events which occured during the period covered by my family histories. (This page covers the years 1701 to 1800) The earliest confirmed date of birth of a relation is of Anna Rosina Lange (nee Rau) in 1765. The earliest ancestor in the family database is Stephen Emmerton and his wife Hannah Pennington who were born around 1710. Their son was James Emmerton who married Ann Cox. In their turn they had a son John Emmerton who married Elizabeth Kempster. This couple had a son whose confirmed birth year was 1815. While this sequence of events has been sourced from parish records there could be errors. This information in the timeline is entered in red to indicate that the details are not confirmed beyond doubt. Confirmed information is entered in blue . (The number of ancestors possible covering the 8 generations back to the 1700's give a total of 254. Of this number only 49 have been traced. The possibility of filling in some of the gaps is not high but not impossible either - with luck!)
The timeline will start in 1701 and usually be added to in 5 yearly intervals and covering that period. In some years the timeline information is extensive as the end of the 18th & early 19th century were turbulent times in world history. I trust that readers will find it of interest. (The photo on right is of All Saints parish church in Leighton Buzzard, England; which dates from 1277 and where the Emmerton family were baptised, married or buried as found in the parish records of the 18th & early 19th century.)
If you would like to go directly to a particular period, use the index/link below:
1701 |1705 |1710 |1715 |1720 |1721 - 1730 |1731 - 1735 |1740 |1745 |1750 |1755 |1760 |1765 |1770 |1775 |1780 |1785 |1790 |1795 |1800 |
1700 - The goosestep and iron ram rods (for cannons) are introduced into the Prussian Army (1698) Crown treaty between Emperor Leopold I and Elector Frederick II of Brandenberg recognises him as Frederick I "King of Prussia". Great North War begins with Saxon invasion of Livonia (Latvia & Lithuania). With the death of the only surviving child of Princess Anne of England the succession passes to Electress Sophia of Hanover, mother of the electoral prince, George Louis, the future George I of England. Denmark & Russia sign mutual defence pact. Austria, Russia, Poland & Venice sign a peace treaty with Turkey. Peter the Great of Russia (see portrait on far right) takes an 18 month journey to study European culture and life which he puts into practice on his return to Russia to construct St Petersburg (founded 1703)- he also sends 50 young Russians to these countries to study shipbuilding and fortifications. Augustus, the Elector of Saxony converts to catholicism and becomes the King of Poland. William III (see portrait above centre-right) is recognised as King of England by France and Princess Anne as his heir presumptive. William (III) of Orange ruled jointly with Mary and is best remembered for the troubles in Northern Ireland and the Battle of the Boyne - the 300 year old battle still celebrated today as a victory by the "orange men of Ulster". The William & Mary College is establish in Williamsburg, Virginia during their reign. William employed Sir Christopher Wren to remodel Hampton Court Palace where there are also fine wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons. Royal Bank of Scotland founded. Window tax imposed in England which continues until 1851 - 150 years! Sedan chair is the popular means of transportation. First English property insurance company founded. Authors & poets at this time include Daniel Defoe, Congreve, Dryden, George Faquar. Kabuki theatre is developed in Japan. William Dampier explores the north west coast of Australia. Tax imposed on beards in Russia. Unmarried women taxed in Berlin. Russia changes calendar to start the new year on January 1st (instead of September 1st). Billingsgate market in London established. Pope Innocent XII dies and Clement XI is elected.
1705 - William III of england dies and is succeeded by Queen Anne. (Portrait on far right) The Act of Settlement is passed to ensure that the house of Hanover allows for a protestant succession to the british throne (Anne had no surviving children). War of Spanish succession begins and lasts until 1714. Duke of Marlborough becomes Capt-Gen of the English armed forces and has successes in european conflicts at Venilo, Bonn & Liege. Marlborough and Prince Eugene defeat the French & Bavarians at Blenheim near Ulm. In grateful recognition of the victories at Blenheim, Blenheim Palace (1705 - 1725) is built as a gift from the british nation to Marlborough. Designed by Sir John Vanbrough it is considered the finest example of british baroque architecture. Charles XII of Sweden occupies Warsaw. Augustus II of Poland is deposed and King Stanislas I elected in his stead. English capture Gibralta & Barcelona. Rebellion against Czar Peter's westernization in Russia. Methuen treaty between Portugal & England. Daniel Defoe (see print above) is imprisoned and begins his weekly paper "The Review". Eddystone Lighthouse destroyed in a storm. Isaac Newton elected president of the Royal Academy.
J.S. Bach (pictured on the immediate left) writes his first cantata - "Denn Du wirst meine Seele" and also walks 200 miles to Lubeck to hear Abendmusiken directed by Buxtehude. Handel (pictured far left) writes "St John Passion" and the opera "Almira" premiered in Hamburg. Musician &composer Johann Palchelbel born (1706)
1710 - It is believed that around this time Stephen Emmerton (1710 - 1787) and his wife to be Hannah Pennington (1710 - 1782) were born in Leighton Buzzard, England.
A number of significant buildings are in progress or completed. The Zwinger Palace in Dresden designed by M.D. Poppelmann (pictured on the left). St Nikolas in Prague. In London, St Mary Le-Strand, St Johns (Smith Square)and St Martin in the Fields.
1715 -Joseph I of Austria is succeeded by his brother Charles VI, the father of Maria Therese. In a pragmatic sanction the female right of succession to the Hapsburg domains is issued by Charles VI. Rio de Janiero captured by the French. Duke of Marlborough is dismissed as Commander in Chief of British forces. War of succession betweeen Shah Bahadurs 4 sons in India. Frederick Wlliam I becomes King of Prussia and the future Frederick the Great is born a year earlier. Peace of Utrecht is signed between France, Spain and various european powers to end the War of the Spanish succession (1701 - 1714) the agreements included; Spain ceding Minorca and Gibralta to Britain. France also recognising the succession of Queen Anne of England to the British throne and withdrawing support from the pretender James Edward son of James II. Peace of Rastatt between France and Charles VI of the Holy Roman Empire in which certain territory in Italy is handed over for loss of Spain by the Hapsburgs. In the peace of Baden France retains Alsace & Strasbourg. The first parliament of the reign of George I opens. Troubles in Scotland with the Jacobite rebellion but they are defeated at Preston & Sheriffmuir. James III ("Old Pretender") arrives from France but leaves and returns to France to be expelled in 1717. Mir Abdullah becomes ruler in Kandahah. The last execution for witchcraft takes place in England. St Petersburgh becomes the capital of Russia. D.G. Fahrenheit constructs a mercury themometer with temperature scale. The composer Arcangelo Corelli dies aged 60.
Queen Anne dies and George Louis of Hannover lands in England to become George I of England (see portrait above). Marlborough is re-instated by the king as Commander in Chief. Pictured is the great palace of Blenheim, (with an area of 7 acres!) gifted to him from the british people and the cause of much conflict between the family, the government and Queen Anne.
1720 -The Belvedere Palace (pictured on the right) is under construction in Vienna for Prince Eugene of Savoy who, with Marlborough had defeated the French in battles over the past few years He was also instrumental in the defeat of the Turks when they threatened Vienna in 1683. It is considered the greatest baroque palace in Vienna. It was in later years the home of the Archduke Ferdinand whose assasination in 1914 was the catalyst for the first world war. Peter the great visits Europe for the second time and also has his son and heir, Alexis murdered. Yoshimune becomes Shogun of Japan. The Turks are finally driven out of Hungary by Prince Eugene, with the fall of Temesvar. Seperate Afghan state under Abdalis of Herat and Monguls occupy Lhasa. Liechtenstein becomes an independent principality. Spain occupies Texas. "South Sea Bubble" speculation craze bursts and bankruptcies hit English investors. Daniel Defoe writes "Robinson Crusoe", Thomas Gray (1716 - 1771) - English poet is born as is the author & actor David Garrick (1717 - 1779). Voltaire in prison in the Bastille, writes "Edipe"; a tragedy. Johann Stamitz (1717 - 1757) composer & violinist is born. Leopold Mozart (1719 -1787) and the father of Wolfgand Amadeus Mozart, is born. Innoculation for smallpox introduced into England. Banque Generale established in France by a Scottish economist John Law. Yale University is established in New Haven First bank notes introduced into England. School attendance in Prussia made conpulsory.
1721 - 1730 In consequence of the South Sea Island bubble scandal, the chancellor of the Exchequer John Aislabie is sent to the tower of London for fraud. Peter I proclaimed Emperor of all Russia. Peter dies in 1725 and succeeded by his wife Catherine I (pictured far right) who also establishes the St Petersburg Academy of Science. Earlier there are treaties finalised between Sweden & Prussia and Sweden and Denmark. Prince Charles Edward Stuart (the Young Pretender) is born (1720 - 1788) and in time he will be involved in the disastrous uprisings to take Scotland from English control. Duke of Marlborough dies. The Yung Cheng Dynasty accedes in China with Shih Tsung. The treaty of Charlottenburg between England and Prussia; marriage of the grandson of George I to a Prussian Princess and Prince Frederick of Prussia to marry daughter of the Prince of Wales (the future George II) Prussia establishes a Ministry of War, Finance & Domains. Madame Pompadour is born (1721 - 1764) George Philipp Telemann (pictured above) arrives in Hamburg as director of music. Daniel Defoe publishes "Moll Flanders". Immanuel Kant, German Philosopher is born (1724 - 1804) British Parliament forbids journalists to report debates. Workhouse Test Act for care of poor passed. Gin Drinking becomes popular in England. Casanova is born (1725 - 1798) Paris Bourse (stock exchange) is opened.
Guys Hospital founded in London from a grant of 300,000 pounds made by a bookseller Thomas Guy. Flora McDonald (1722 - 1790) (who assisted Bonnie Prince Charlie) is born. St Martins in the Fields designed by James Gibbs is consecrated. The cost was 60,000 pounds. (pictured at left is detail of a capital in the church)
1731 - 1735, On April 27th, 1729 Stephen and Hannah Emmerton (nee Pennington) were married in All Saints Church, Leighton Buzzard, England and in 1730 their first child, Mary Emmerton was born. On November 10th, 1732 James Emmerton (1732 - 1805) was born in Leighton Buzzard, England. Britain is again at war with Spain and Gibralta was under siege for 14 months. Peter II becomes Czar on the death of Catherine I and Catherine (1729 - 1796) who is to become Catherine the Great of Russia is born. George II (pictured at right) becomes king on the death of his father. Portugal loses Mombasa to the arabs. Stanislas I of Poland opposed by Russia, Prussia and Austria. War of the Polish succession begins in 1733. Russians occupy Danzig. 12,000 protestants from Salzburg in Austria settled by Frederick Wilhelm I of Prussia in East Prussia. Treaty of Berlin between Charles VI of Austria and Frederick Wilhelm of Prussia. Prussia introduces conscription. Two monarchs accede to the throne - Anne Czarina of Russia & Christian VI of Denmark. George Washington born (1732 - 1799) William Pitt is elected member for Old Sarum. Daniel Defoe dies at age 70. Abbe Prevost writes "Manon Lescaut" which is the text later for operas by Jules Massenat & Giacomo Puccini. Henry Fielding and John Gay are active in theatrical circles with plays and opera in London. 10 Downing Street is built in 1731. Subscription library founded by Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia. The Serpentine in Hyde Park London is laid out. Flying shuttle loom patented by John Kay.
Academie of Ancient Music founded in London. Franz Joseph Hadyn (1732 - 1809) is born in Austria. Couperin dies aged 65yrs. Pergolesi and Rameau premier operas in this period. John Gay writes "The Beggars Opera". The artist Giovani Battista Tiepolo is active with many commissions. (Pictured on the left is his painting of the "Martyrdom of St Bartholomew" completed in 1725) The English painter Hogarth paints his series "The Rakes Progress" and "The Harlots Progress" showing his vision of London society at that time.
1740 - Around this year Ann Cox (1740 - ?) the future wife of James Emmerton was born probably in Leighton Buzzard. Stanislas I abdicates as the king of Poland. Prince Eugene famous for his victories with the Duke of Marlborough dies aged 73yrs. Chi-en Lung becomes Emperor of China. Nadir becomes Shah of Persia and as the leader of the Persians sacks Delhi in 1739. War breaks out again between Russia & Turkey. George II quarrels with his son, the Prince of Wales and Caroline wife of the king dies in 1737. The future George III (1738 - 1820) is born. Jean H. L. Orry the controller-general of French finances devises the "corvee", a system of forced labour to construct roads. Charles VI of Austria dies and Maria Theresa (pictured above) becomes empress. Because of the many claimants on the throne who did not accept the pragmatic succession, Austria was involved in disagreements and conflict with many states, starting with Bavaria, to resolve the matter. The Trevi Fountain in Rome (pictured on right) , is built after a design by Nicola Salvi 
1745 - The future emperor Joseph II of Austria (1741 - 1790) is born in Vienna and his mother Maria Therese accepts the crown of Hungary. Frederick II (The Great) of Prussia conquers Silesia, captures Brieg, Neisse, Glatz & Olmitz. England mediates between Prussia & Austria (Silesia is claimed by Austria) Prague is occupied by French, Bavarian & Saxon troops. Czar Ivan VI is deposed and Elizabeth the daughter of Peter the Great becomes Czarina. The first Silesian War is ended by the peace of Berlin (Silesia becomes a pawn in continued hostility between Prussia and Austria) Marie Therese crowned in Prague. Charles Albert, Elector of Bavaria is crowned, as Emperor Charles VII in the continuing argument over succession to the Austrian crown and the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. He dies in 1745 and the husband of Maria Therese is elected Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Alliance between Austria & Saxony. English defeat French at Dettingen. France declares war on England and Maria Therese. Second Silesian War begins and Frederick the Great takes Prague but is repelled and driven back to Saxony. The Burgtheatre is founded in Vienna (above is a painting by Gustav Klint (1888) of the original interior, before the theatre was rebuilt) The theatre was the venue for the premier of operas by Mozart, Beethoven and Gluck.
David Garrick debuts in London as "Richard the Third". Shakespeare's "Julius Ceasar" is the first of his plays translated into German. Alexander Pope, English poet dies in 1744 aged 56yrs. Samuel Johnson (pictured at left) and Voltaire publish many works during this period. Charles Viner produces a 23 volume "Legal Encyclopaedia" in England! Handel's "Messiah" is first performed in Dublin (1742) Luigi Boccherini (1743 - 1805) is born. A Scottish national song "The Campbells are Coming" is published 1745. Woolwich Military Academy is founded 1741. Cotton mills established in Birmingham & Northampton. Madame Du Barry (1743 - 1795); the mistress of Louis XV, is born. First recorded cricket match between Kent and and all England team played 1744.
1750 - Charles Edward Stuart; called Bonnie Prince Charlie (portrait far right) and known as the 'Young Pretender' wins a number of victories in his attempt to gain the English throne but is finally defeated at Culloden in 1746. With the help of Flora McDonald he escapes to France. The French had promised troops but sent only a token force. Austria and Russia form an alliance against Prussia. Austria is defeated by the French at Raucoux and lose control of the Netherlands. William IV of Orange-Nassau becomes hereditary stadholder of the seven provinces of the Netherlands. Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle finally recognises Pragmatic Sanction (which had first been proposed in 1713 to ensure female succession to the Austrian throne) and Francis I as Holy Roman Emperor. Russian troops march through Bohemia towards the Rhine. William Pitt is the paymaster general for British forces and the Consolidation Act is passed to re-organise the British Navy. From 1746 the wearing of tartans is prohibited in Great Britain and remains in force until 1782. Carriage Tax imposed in England. Handel & Bach are active as composers. Bach - "The Musical Offering", Handel "Judas Maccabaeus". The composers Domenico Cimarosa (1749 - 1801) and Antonio Salieri (1750 - 1825) are born. The population of Europe is estimated at 140 million in 1750. J.S. Bach dies aged 65yrs Sugar is discovered in beetroot by A.S. Marggraf. G.W. Knobelsdorff completes the palace of Sans Souci (pictured above) at Potsdam for Frederick the Great.
Artistic endeavours include: Francois de Cuvillies (a dwarf) the court architect to the Elector of Bavaria building the Residenztheatre in Munich (pictured on the left) where the Mozart opera "Idomeneo" was premiered; Lancelot (Capability) Brown designs the gardens of Warwick Castle; the painter Antonio Canaletto is in England until 1755; Hogarth paints "Calais Gate". Neoclassicism spreads throughout Europe as a reaction to the fussy roccoco and baroque styles.
1755 -England joins the Austro-Russian Alliance of 1746 against Prussia. Frederick the Great fights the Austro-Russian agreement of 1746. England ends their alliance with Austria and an Anglo-Prussian Treaty is agreed in 1756. The French invade the Americas and threaten British interests in America. The French and the English declare war over their posessions in America which continues until 1759 when the British storm Quebec and gain Quebec province from the French. In this engagement both generals Louis J.Montcalm & James Wolfe (picture on right) are killed in action. China invades Tibet. Great Britain adopts the Gregorian Calendar on September 14th 1752 which means omitting September 3 to 13 to bring them in line. This almost causes riots because the populace thinks they have had the days "stolen" from them! The Act of Parliament (1751) altering the calendar also makes January 1st the beginning of the year. The first mental asylums are established in England. Benjamin Franklin invents the lightning conductor. Jockey Club establishes first permanent racetrack at Newmarket. Land tax is 2 shillings in the pound in England & Wales (i.e.10%) Vienna Stock Exchange established. St Andrews Royal and Ancient Golf Club founded. The Lisbon earthquake of 1755 kills 30,000 persons. Rangoon in Burma founded by Aloung P'Houra. Marie Antoinette (1755 - 1793) is born as is John Nash (1752 - 1835) the british architect. The playright Richard B. Sheridan (1751 - 1816) is born. Boucher paints "Toilet of Venus" (pictured above) 
1756 - 1760 On November 14th, 1756 James Emmerton and Ann Cox were married in All Saints Church, Leighton Buzzard. The Seven Years War breaks out in Europe with the Battle of Lobosik in Bohemia and the Saxon army capitulates to Frederick the Great. Fredrick defeats the Austrians at Prague, Rossbach & Leuthen but is defeated by them at Kolin. Russia occupies East Prussia. Frederick is defeated at Hochkirk, Glatz, Kunersdorf and Landshut. Austrians defeated at Liegnitz & Torgau. Russians occupy and burn Berlin. China occupies Eastern Turkestan. 120 soldiers die in what becomes known as the Black Hole of Calcutta. Robert Clive sets out from there to fight the Nawab of Bengal and releives English fugitives at Fulta. Clive then retakes Calcutta. Cotton velvet first made at Bolton, Lancashire, England. Tower built on Edystone Lighthouse by John Smeaton. The Royal Library in London is transferred to the British Museum. The British Museum is opened at Montague House. Voltaire (real name Francois Mari Arouet - 1694 to 1778) writes "Candide" a philosophical novel (see cartoon above). (In the 20th century Leonard Berstein; composer, pianist and conductor uses this as the basis for his musical "Candide") First exhibition of contemporary art is held at the Royal Society of Arts in London. Handel dies (1685 - 1759)
1765 - In this year Anna Rosina Lange (1765 - 1838)(nee Rau) was born, probably in Brandenburg, Prussia. Frederick the Great of Prussia (Frederick II), pictured on the far right establishes the Bank of Prussia. Nelson's future flagship 'HMS Victory' is launched in England. This ship becomes the longest commissioned ship in the Royal Navy and is on display today at Portsmouth in England (see photo above). The ship will be restored by the year 2005, to the same condition that it was in when it took part in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The potato becomes the most popular foodstuff in Europe. Mozart is 9 years old having written his first symphony at the age of 8 in 1764. British parliament passes the Stamp Act for taxing American colonies setting in train the events leading to a move for independence and causing delegates of the nine colonies to meet in New York to draw up a declaration of rights and liberties. Jospeh II of Austria succeeds as Holy Roman Emperor and becomes co-regent with his mother Maria Theresa on the death of Emperor Francis I. Louis Augustus becomes heir to the French throne (the future Louis XVI)
1770 - Gottfried Lange (1770 - 1838);(future husband of Anna Rosina Rau) is born, probably in Brandenburg, Prussia. The British parliament repeals many duties on goods imported into the American colonies but retains the tax on tea. A brawl between civilians and troops leads to a masssacre in Boston, Massachusetts. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1826) is born in Bonn. Giuseppe Tartini, violinist and composer born in Italy. Gainsborough paints "The Blue Boy"; (see picture above). The painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo dies at the age of 74. The first public restaurant opens in Paris, France. The industrial revolution begins in England with the advent of steam power, textile machines and free trade. An opal of 3,000 carats found in Hungary. The poet William Wordsworth born in England. The Dauphin of France Louis XVI (pictured above right) marries Marie Antoinette of Austria. Prussia and Russia discuss the partition of Poland which is finalised in 1771. Captain James Cook explores the east coast of Australia. Joseph Banks is a botanist on board Cooks ship 'Endeavour'. James Bruce discovers the source of the Blue Nile.
1775 - Around this time William Hunter (? - ?) the father of Samuel Hunter was born. (While it is assumed that this took place in County Antrim N.I. it could have been in Scotland as it is probable that the family originated from there and had taken up land in NI as part of the governments plan of protestant settlement in the area which began in ernest during the 17th century.) Peasants revolt takes place in Bohemia against servitude. The American Revolution is in progress with the British being defeated at Lexington, Fort Ticonderoga, NY and Crown Point. British victory at Bunker Hill. Second congress assembles in Philadelphia and appoints George Washington commander-in-chief. (see portrait on right as 1st President of US) British hire 29,000 German mercinaries for war in America. George III; (pictured on the far right) was on the throne during the time of the American revolution and did nothing to change the way the colonies were taxed and represented in London. This was one of the bones of contention of the colonists which led to their decision to declare independence. The first Thames regatta is held in England. James cook returns from his second voyage. Pope Pius the VI is elected after a long conclave in Rome.
1780 - 1782, John Emmerton (1779 - ?)is believed to have been born on October 8th, 1779 at Leighton Buzzard, England. His future wife Elizabeth Kempster (1780 - ?) was also born here around the same time. Around this period in Tirschtiegel, Prussion Michael Roehr (1780? - ?) was born as was his wife to be Anna Maria Stabenauer (1780? - ?) The American revolution continues with wins and losses on both sides of the conflict. By 1782 peace talks are opened between Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Grenville in Paris to end the war. By 1783 the peace is agreed and Great Britain rocognises the independence of the US. Serfdom is abolished in Bohemia and Hungary which are part of the Hapsburg's Austro-Hungarian Empire. Maria Therese dies and Joseph II becomes Emperor in Vienna. (See portrait above) Joseph Haydn writes the 'Toy Symphony' Spanish capture Minorca from the British. The British relieve Gibralta from siege. Spain completes the conquest of Florida. 'The British Gazette' and the 'Sunday Monitor' first appear in London (March 26, 1780) as the first Sunday papers. The Bolero is invented by dancer, Sebastiano Carezo. Mozart's opera 'The Abduction from the Seraglio' is first performed in Vienna. The circular saw and the fountain pen are invented during this period. James Watt invents the double-acting rotary steam engine and the Montgolfier brothers construct an air balloon (see drawing above) and flew it in 1783.
1785 - League of German Princes formed by Frederick II of Prussia against Jospeh II of Austria. Birth of Jacob Grimm the German author & folklorist. Jacob & his brother Wilhelm (b1786), pictured on the right prepared Grimms Fairy Tales from the stories they collected. Reverend James Wilmot suggests Francis Bacon was the author of Shakespeare's plays. The paper, 'Daily Universal Register' begins and by 1788 becomes 'The Times'. The Emerald Buddha Chapel is built in Bangkok to house the so called Emerald Buddha which was carved from jade in the 15th century and brought to Thailand (Siam) by King Rama I when when he was a general. It was taken from the captured town of Vientiane during the Thonburi period.(Photo above right). Scottish painter David Wilkie is born. Blanchard & Jeffries cross the English Channel in a hot air balloon. Chemical bleaching is invented by C.L.Berthollet.
1790 - William Pitt refuses to recognise the independence of Belgium. Austria suppresses Belgium uprising. Robert Burns (portrait near right) writes "Tam O'Shanter" Joseph II of Austria dies and is succeeded by Leopold II. The Reichenbach Conference is held between Austria & Prussia. Poland cedes Thorn and Danzig to Prussia. Benjamin Franklin dies at the age of 84. Adam Smith, political economist (Wealth of Nations) dies aged 67. Washington DC is founded. Mozart's opera "Cosi Fan Tutte" is premiered in Vienna. (Mozart pictured above right) First steam powered rolling mill built in England, During this period since 1785, Goethe writes "Egmont" and developes a friendship with fellow writer Schiller. Lord Byron, English poet is born (portrait above centre painted 1814), William Blake writes "Songs of Innocence" and mutineers from "HMS Bounty" settle on Pitcairn Island. A convict settlement is established at Port Jackson, Australia.
1793 - 1795, Anna Rosina Rau & Gottfried Lange have married in Brandenburg, Prussia and on August 30th, 1794 a child Christian Lange (1794 - 1884) is born. Christian's future wife, Anna Dorothea Kurzweg (1793 - 1854) is also born at Golzen, nr Zullichau, Brandenburg on July 1st, 1793. Carl Gottlieb Schache (1794 - 1876) is born on September 10th, 1794 in Zachau, Prussia. His future wife, Maria Rosina Vogel (1793 - 1866) was born on September 16th, 1793 in Gross Tinz, Prussia. Frederick II of Prussia has died and his nephew Frederick William II has succeeded him. Louis XVI of France and his queen Marie Antoinette are executed following the revolution of 1789 in which the Bastille is stormed. Robespierre joins the Committee of Public Safety in Paris. Luxemburg capitulates to France. Catholicism is banned in France and the Holy Roman Empire declares war against the country. The Dutch surrender Ceylon (Sri Lanka) to Britain. Agha Muhammed founds the Kajar dynasty in Persia (Iran). Paganini, composer and violinist makes his debut in Genoa. David (French painter) completes "The Murder of Marat" (pictured above right). Marquis de Sade writes "La Philosophie dans le Boudoir". The terror continues in France followed by the execution of Robespierre. "Auld Lang Syne" written by Robert Burns is published. Slavery abolished in French colonies. The worlds first technical college is opened in Paris. Napoleon Bonaparte is appointed commander in chief in Italy. French occupy Belgium and sign armistice with Austria. Haydn completes the 12 London symphonies. Paris Conservatorium of Music is founded. The hydraulic press is invented by Joseph Bramah. Rowland Hill invents penny post in England. Metric system adopted in France. Josiah Wedgewood dies at the age of 65 (see portrait above). Speenhamland Act passed in England to provide dole to the poor as supplement for low wage earners.
1796 - 1800, Around 1797 Samuel Hunter (1797 - 1877) was probably born at Bruslee, in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Elizabeth Kempster and John Emmerton are married on October 11th, 1799 in All Saints church, Leighton Buzzard, England. Johann Christoph Staehr (1800 - ?), the father of Johann Christian Staehr was born in Prussia Circa 1800 Napolean marries Josephine de Beauharnais The rise of Napolean continues with the establishment of French control over much of Italy through the defeat of Austria, progresses through Syria and Egypt and defeats Turks. Nelson destroys the French fleet in Egypt. French attempt landing in Ireland but fail to occupy the country. Britain captures Malta. Napolean establishes himself as First Consul in Paris. Income tax is established by the British as a temporary measure to finance the Napoleonic wars. It is only levied on incomes more than 60 pounds per annum. In the first year 6 million pounds is collected. Thomas Jefferson becomes 3rd US President (see portrait above). Frederick William III is now king of Prussia. US Federal offices moved to Washington DC. Joseph Haydn (pictured above right) completes his oratorio "The Creation". Schiller writes "Maria Stuart", Napoleon appoints committee of jurists to draw up a civil code (becomes "Code Napoleon"), poet William Cowper dies aged 69. Paris population is 550,000; New York 60,000; Vienna 231,000; Berlin 183,000 London 864,000. Some country populations are - Italy 17.2 million; Britain 10.4 million; Spain 10.5 million. Allesandro Volta produces electricity from a battery cell made with plates of zinc & copper. Robert Fultan (American engineer) produces the first submarine "Nautilus". 47,390 stars catalogued by J.J. Lalande. William Herschel discovers existence of infra-red solar rays. The Rosetta Stone is found near Rosetta, Egypt. A perfectly preserved mammoth is found in Siberia.
The union jack (pictured far right) becomes the official royal standard for the kingdoms of Great Britain & Ireland incorporating the 3 crosses of St Patrick, St George & St Andrews. This superceded the original union flag devised by James I (pictured above) which recognised the union of England & Scotland in 1603 but which was never officially recognised by statute.