Mike Jay with Katy Grant: FREE RADICALS: Politics, Poetry and Laughing Gas at the Pneumatic Institute

Few people realise that, in the 1790s, Clifton and Hotwells were home to one of the most remarkable gatherings of thinkers Britain has ever seen.The radical doctor Thomas Beddoes attracted an extraordinary circle that included poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey, Tom Wedgwood of the famous pottery family, Peter Mark Roget, whose Thesaurus is still in use today, and the young Humphry Davy, destined to become one of Britain’s greatest scientists.

Discover how experiments with laughing gas sparked scientific breakthroughs, inspired poets and fuelled radical political debate. Rich in colourful characters and surprising stories, this talk uncovers the forgotten Bristol network that changed the course of science, literature and ideas.

Following the talk, stroll down to Hotwells to join Mike Jay for a tour of the Pneumatic Institution in Dowry Square. Follow Thomas Beddoes' footsteps and see where young chemist Humphry Davy discovered the intoxicating effects of nitrous oxide.  Approx 1 hour including Q&A. Please note this is a separate event - book directly via their website;  www.davyshouse.co.uk