Born: 22 January 1561 · Died: 9 April 1626 · Age at death: 65
How old was Francis Bacon when he died?
Francis Bacon died aged 65. He was born on 22 January 1561 and died on 9 April 1626.
English philosopher and statesman who championed observation and experiment, laying the groundwork for the scientific method
Did you know?He died of pneumonia after catching a chill while conducting an early refrigeration experiment by stuffing a chicken with snow.
Quick facts
Date of birth22 January 1561
Date of death9 April 1626
Age at death65
Cause of deathPneumonia
NationalityEnglish
BirthplaceLondon, United Kingdom
Occupationphilosopher, writer, judge
Editor's Take:
Francis Bacon argued that knowledge should be built from careful observation and experiment, rather than by simply accepting the authority of ancient writers. This approach, gathering evidence and reasoning upwards from it, became a foundation of modern science. He was also a lawyer, politician and Lord Chancellor of England, though his political career ended in disgrace after he was found guilty of accepting bribes. His essays are packed with memorable lines, including the idea that 'knowledge is power'. His vision of organised scientific research later inspired the founding of the Royal Society.
Key Milestones
1597: Publishes the first edition of his Essays
1618: Becomes Lord Chancellor
1620: Publishes Novum Organum
1621: Removed from office for bribery
Francis Bacon, 1st Viscount St Alban (22 January 1561 – 9 April 1626) was an English philosopher and statesman who served as Attorney General and Lord Chancellor of England under King James I.
Francis Bacon's birthday is January 22. He was born on January 22, 1561 in London, United Kingdom.
How old was Francis Bacon when he died?
Francis Bacon died on April 9, 1626, aged 65.
Who shares a birthday with Francis Bacon?
Famous people who share Francis Bacon's January 22 birthday include Lord Byron, Antonio Gramsci, August Strindberg, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing and John Donne.
