Herschel Museum of Astronomy
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 Need to know... |
| “I have looked further into space than any human being did before me”
William Herschel The Herschel Museum of Astronomy is dedicated to the many achievements of the Herschels, who were distinguished astronomers as well as talented musicians. It was from this house, using a telescope of his own design that William discovered the planet Uranus in 1781. His observations helped to double the known size of the solar system. Following a tradition of the great astronomers of the Renaissance he pushed forward the science of building telescopes. He was rewarded for his work by King George III, and also received the Copley Medal. Caroline also made a huge contribution to the field of astronomy. The work of the Herschels clearly had an impact on modern science and space exploration.
Nowadays No.1 provides visitors to the Crescent with an opportunity to look beyond the famous Palladian façade and see what life was like for the wealthy in 18th century Bath. Each room is an exquisite example of Georgian interior design with authentic furniture, paintings, textiles and carpets. The superbly appointed Dining Room is set for dessert. Pipes and port are laid out for an evening of cards in the comfortable Gentleman’s Study. Upstairs you can see the elegant Drawing Room, where fashionable visitors took tea, or slip into a delightfully feminine bedroom. Below stairs is a splendidly equipped, bustling Georgian Kitchen. Guides in every room bring the house to life with stories of the past. Sir Patrick Moore, the patron of the museum, describes William Herschel as “the first man to give a reasonably correct picture of the shape of our star-system or galaxy, the best telescope-maker of his time, and possibly the greatest observer who ever lived”.
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BIG BEN OFFER: * 2 for 1 admission Opening Times: Closed Wednesdays Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri: 1pm to 5pm – last entry 4.30pm Weekends and bank holidays: 11am to 5pm – last entry 4.30pm. Tickets: Adults £5, Students £3, Concessions £4.50, Children £2.50, Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £12.00, What on: Museum events here Website: www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk Address: The Herschel Museum of Astronomy Tel: + 44 (0) 1225 446865 Email: : debbie-james@btconnect.com Map: |
