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In July 1791, a mob went on a rampage of destruction in the city of Birmingham and destroyed several houses and churches. It is usually referred to as the Birmingham Riot but a careful study of the evidence over the years has convinced many writers that the events were more carefully organized and orchestrated than would have been true of a band of drunken rioters. All the victims were members of the dissenting religions and supporters of the French revolution with particular emphasis being paid to Joseph Priestley. His house, church, library, and scientific appartus were all destroyed and he fled for his life to London just ahead of the mob.
Much evidence has been presented that the "riot" was planned and instigated by the clergy of the Church of England with the active support and collaboration of the magistrates. It may well be that events got out of hand and the planners never intended as much damage as was done. However, the guilt of the authorities was sufficient that the City of Birmingham agreed to monetary restitution to the victims. Priestley claimed over 4,000 pounds for his loss.
Life for Joseph and Mary was a shambles after the riot. The family was dispersed--.Joseph, Jr. in Manchester, Sally at Heath, Harry at Bristol, and William in France. For a time they thought they might be able to return to Birmingham but were advised not to do so. Feeling still ran high against him--the press and the Anglican pulpits continued their attacks; he was avoided by members of the Royal Society and other friends; shopkeepers, workmen, and servants shunned the Priestleys and their house. The news from France, where the revolution was becoming more bloody, increased the English hatred of its supporters.
Although he tried, with the help of the Wilkinsons and other friends, to rebuild his library and laboratory and get back to work, he was unable to do so. He was particularly distressed by the fact that, because of his reputation, his sons were unable to find any suitable employment. They decided to go to America with some friends and purchase land there with the hope of founding a colony of English emigrants. They sailed in August 1793.
Whatever lingering doubts Priestley might have had about leaving England were soon removed by the harsher measures employed against dissenters and reformers. Friends were being deported for nothing more than criticizing the government and he decided it was only a matter of time before they focussed on him. For a time he thought of going to France, where he had been offered an estate but eventually decided to join his sons in America.
By this time he finally received a settlement of his claim from the City of Birmingham of a little over 3,000 pounds and booked passage. He preached for the last time in England at Hackney and voiced his sentiments:
"I do not pretend to leave this country, where I have lived so long and so happily, without regret; but I consider it as necessary and I hope the same good providence that has attended me hitherto will attend me still. When the time for reflection shall come, my countrymen, I am confident, will do me justice."