William Herschel was born in Hanover, Germany, on 15th November 1738. His early life consisted of schooling (mainly by his father), and training to become a musician in the Hanoverian Guards. Herschel saw military action but by 1766, he had settled in fashionable Bath. His interests soon changed to mathematics and astronomy, and he started to make his own telescopes. His observations were becoming well known as well as his skill.
The reward came in March 1781, when sweeping the skies he chanced on an object first thought to be a Comet, but later was confirmed as a major new Planet beyond the orbit of Saturn. Herschel named his Planet "Georgium Sidus – The Georgian" in honour of King George III.
Recognised as a leader in his field, Herschel was appointed "The King’s Astronomer" and moved to Datchet, Berkshire, with effect from 1st August 1782. The post, which enabled Herschel to relinquish his music trade, paid him an annual Civil List allowance of £200, with a further £50 per annum to his sister, Caroline, who acted as his assistant.
The property at Datchet, however proved to be damp and in much disrepair. Being totally unsuitable for astronomical purposes, the Herschels moved in June 1785 to Clay Hall in Old Windsor, and finally on 3rd April 1786, to Windsor Road, Slough (which famously became known as Observatory House). There was also a small cottage in the grounds and land available for Herschel to build his famous 40 foot Telescope.
The telescope was completed on 28th August 1789 and on that first night, Herschel discovered two new moons of Saturn. The great telescope was suspended on a gigantic frame and could be seen towering above the Slough town centre. Many visitors to Slough would comment at seeing Dr Herschel’s telescope. Herschel’s planet was renamed "Uranus" in 1850, but was known as "The Georgian" throughout his lifetime. It is worth noting that his major discovery doubled the size of the known solar system – that is to say, the distance from the Sun to Saturn is precisely the distance between Saturn and Uranus!
William Herschel, Slough’s most famous resident, married Mary Pitt at St Laurence’s Church, Upton, in 1788, and their only child, John, was born at Observatory House. William Herschel was knighted in 1816 by the Prince Regent; and remained a resident of Slough for the rest of his life. He died at Observatory House on 25th August 1822. He was laid to rest at St Laurence’s Church, Upton, on 7th September 1822. There is a wonderful Epitaph to the great astronomer in the church, as well as a beautiful new stained glass window showing him at his telescope.
Observatory House no longer stands, however there is a monument in Herschel Street, Slough, close to the position of the 40 foot telescope. The last surviving residence Herschel occupied during his lifetime is 19 New King Street, Bath, which is now the William Herschel Museum of Bath.
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