John Beddoes and Rachel Eley are in the process of compiling for publication an edition of letters by their relative Dr Thomas Beddoes M.D. (1760-1808).

Dr Thomas Beddoes was a medical pioneer and political radical who counted among his friends and correspondents Erasmus Darwin, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Robert Southey and James Watt. Recent biographies have brought deserved attention to his life, but a collection of his correspondence has never been published. Beddoes was an excellent writer and the letters he exchanged with leading figures of the day provide fascinating insight into the events, discoveries and personalities that drove the political and intellectual revolutions of the late 18th century. It is John and Rachel's intent to present an engaging collection of these letters, along with explanatory notes to make their significance accessible to the general reader.

John Beddoes is a social worker in Derbyshire, United Kingdom, and has been a collector of Beddoes family history and Dr Thomas Beddoes’ works for 30 years. His niece Rachel Eley studied English at Oxford University and now works in California as a writer and editor.

John and Rachel are currently looking for any support or information that may help them research, compile and publish the letters. Information about letters, papers and images, unpublished or otherwise hard to trace, would be particularly helpful.

If you are able to help, please contact either:

John Beddoes, 9 Amber Court, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 1HG UK
Tel: +44 (0)1773 828066, Email: j.beddoes@sky.com

Rachel Eley, 4989 Shafter Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609, USA 
Tel: +00 1-510-725-2085, Email: rachel.a.eley@gmail.com