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Events on Wednesday 12 July 1730 2
1730Clement XII elected popeLorenzo Corsini succeeds Benedict XIIIFollowing a lengthy conclave after the death of Benedict XIII, the 79-year-old Cardinal Lorenzo Corsini was elected pope and took the name Clement XII. His pontificate later became notable for issuing the Catholic Church's first formal condemnation of Freemasonry.
1730 – 1795Josiah Wedgwood (1730-1795)Died 3 January 1795, aged 64The English potter founded the Wedgwood pottery company and pioneered innovations in ceramic manufacturing, marketing, and industrial organization. An ardent abolitionist, he produced the widely distributed "Am I Not a Man and a Brother" anti-slavery medallion. He was also the maternal grandfather of Charles Darwin.