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Henry Purcell

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Henry Purcell

after Unknown artist
line engraving, mid 18th century
5 3/8 in. x 3 1/2 in. (138 mm x 89 mm) paper size
Given by A.C. Potter Esq, 1936
Reference Collection
NPG D40771

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Current affairs

John and Charles Wesley form a Holy Club at Oxford which becomes the cradle of Methodism.
Glasite sect, which promoted a form of primitive Christianity, established in Scotland by John Glas.
Last native roe deer in England is reputedly killed in Northumberland.

Art and science

French sculptor Louis-Francois Roubiliac settles in London from Paris.
The Daily Advertiser is established as the first newspaper funded by advertising.
Mathematician and inventor John Hadley invents the octant, a navigating device which precedes the sextant.

International

Frederick, Crown Prince of Prussia, tries to flee to Britain but is imprisoned by his father Frederick William I.
Pope Clement XII succeeds Benedict XIII as the 246th pope.
Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius observes the aurora borealis and suggests the existence of the earth's magnetic field.

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