Francis Bacon

Bacon was born at York House near the Strand in London. As a child, he had poor health and was educated at home. Nevertheless, he later attended University of Poitiers and Cambridge, where he met Queen Elizabeth, who was impressed by his intellect. Bacon began his parliamentary career in 1581 when he was elected MP for Bossiney, Devon. He later served as Attorney General and then as Lord Chancellor of England. Bacon was also an author and scientist, penning works that established the basis for the scientific method. In 1603, he was knighted. Bacon died at age 65 after contracting pneumonia when studying the effects of freezing on meat preservation.