Greenwich in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
William Herschel’s Telescope
Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 28, 2018
1. William Herschel’s Telescope Marker
This is the remaining section of a 40-foot (12m) reflecting telescope, built for the astronomer William Herschel, who became famous for his discovery of the planet Uranus in 1781.
the telescope was the largest in the world and cost over £4000, paid for by King George III. Completed in 1789 and erected at Herschel’s home near Slough, about 30 miles (48km) West of Greenwich, it soon became a tourist attraction. Some people likened it to the Colossus of Rhodes, and it was even marked on the 1830 Ordnance Survey map of the area.
Sadly, the Herschels did not use the great telescope for much serious astronomy, since it was difficult to set up and maintain. William’s son had it dismantled in 1840. Most of the tube was destroyed when a tree fell on it 30 years later.
You can find out more about William Herschel’s work in the Weller Astronomy Galleries in the Astronomy Centre on this site.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine.
Location. 51° 28.665′ N, 0° 0.093′ W. Marker is in Greenwich, England, in Greater London. Marker is at the intersection of Blackheath Avenue and Great Cross Avenue, on the left when traveling north on Blackheath Avenue. Located at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Flamsteed’s Well Telescope (a few steps from this marker); The Greenwich Meridian Telescope (a few steps from this marker); Bradley’s meridian line (a few steps from this marker); Airy’s meridian line (a few steps from this marker); The Royal Observatory (a few steps from this marker); Time for everyone (a few steps from this marker); The Shepherd 24-hour Gate Clock (within shouting distance of this marker); Ordnance Survey Bench Mark (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenwich.
Also see . . .
1. Royal Observatory, Greenwich on Wikipedia. (Submitted on May 24, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. William Herschel on Wikipedia. (Submitted on May 24, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 28, 2018
2. William Herschel’s Telescope Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 264 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 24, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
