William Herschel 1738-1822
William Herschel was born in Hanover, Germany in 1738. In 1757 he moved to England, hoping to follow a career in music. He had always been fascinated by astronomy and developed this hobby in Bath.

Herschel soon began building his own telescopes to look at the sky. His sister, Caroline, became his devoted assistant, helping him to record his observations and make mathematical calculations

A Musical Man
William Herschel was also a musical composer. In 1766 he became an organist at the Octagon Chapel in Bath. We know that astronomy is what Herschel became most famous for but he also wrote symphonies, choral works and chamber music for instruments such as the organ, harpsichord, viola, flute and cello. Sadly most of his music has been lost.

St Laurence's Church
In 1816 William Herschel was knighted and in 1822 he died in Slough. He was buried in the chancel of St Laurence’s church.
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