Discovering a Planet
In 1781 Herschel’s hard work was rewarded when he discovered a new planet – Uranus. It was the first new planet to be discovered since the dawn of time, as all other planets could be seen by the naked eye, without a telescope.

The discovery of Uranus made William Herschel famous and in 1782 he was summoned to Windsor by King George III. The King made Herschel the 'King's Astronomer' and to be closer to the King, William and Caroline settled in 1786 in Observatory House, Windsor Road, Slough where he built his famous 40 foot telescope in the garden.

King George III was fascinated by science and astronomy in particular. In return for being paid £200 per year to be the Royal Astronomer Herschel was expected to share his discoveries with the King and his family and guests. King George III fell ill and for a time everyone thought he was mad, it is believed that during the time of his 'madness' the King was convinced that from England he could see Hanover, in Germany, through one of Herschel's telescopes!

Did you know??
The discovery of Uranus immediately
doubled the size of the solar system
as it was know at the time.

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