United Benefice of Thornhill & Whitley Lower

Serving our local communities

John Michel

Rev John Michell BD, FRS: 1724-1793

 MemorialMemorial to John Michell in tower of the church









Michel plaque

Blue plaque to commemorate the work of John Michell.







The plaque was unveiled by the Mayor of Kirklees Cllr Jean Calvert on the morning of Saturday September 8th. The plaque was provided by 'Dewsbury Matters'. At the ceremony, Chris Butlin from the Institute of Physics, gave an address - He was dressed in the style of Henry Cavendish (a friend of Michell) and spoke as if he was Cavendish. An updated presentation was given on 16th September 2023

A talk by Chris Butlin and a PowerPoint presentation is available with copyright restrictions as above -  cli click here New edition '23

There is also a pamphlet available written by Chris Butlin click here new edition ,2023. You may view this document but copyright is retained. Please ask permission to reuse from butlinca@aol.com 

The definitive book about Michell by Russell McCormmach is available from Amazon at £191.68.


Dignitaries at unveiling 

Left to right:

Cllr Ahmed; Chris Butlin; Margaret Watson, Mayor, David Powell (Head Science College), Lindsay Dew (Rector).