Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Bath (must see)
The Herschel Museum of Astronomy, located on New King Street in Bath, offers a rich historical and astronomical experience. Inaugurated in 1981, it occupies a well-preserved Georgian town house that once served as the home of the renowned astronomers William Herschel and his sister Caroline. This modest five-story building, part of a terrace constructed around 1764-1770, exemplifies middle-grade Georgian architecture with its Bath stone ashlar facade, slate Mansard roofs, and distinctive sash windows.
Significant for its connection to the Herschels, who resided here from 1777, the building is where William Herschel discovered Uranus in March 1781 using a telescope he designed and built on-site. Despite William's departure in 1782, Caroline and their brother Alexander remained until 1784.
Recognized for its historical importance, the building is a grade II* listed property by English Heritage. It underwent restoration in 1981 and again in 2000, featuring period-specific wallpaper and carpets based on 18th-century designs. The building's preservation was championed by the William Herschel Society, formed in 1977, and aided by Doctors Leslie and Elizabeth Hilliard, whose contributions are commemorated by the naming of asteroid 6395 Hilliard.
The museum, managed by the Herschel House Trust and governed by the Bath Preservation Trust since July 2015, was opened on the bicentennial of Uranus's discovery. Its patrons have included the notable astronomers Patrick Moore and Brian May. The museum is split over three floors within the house, with an ornamental garden attached, and a cinema within the vaults that shows documentaries on astronomical discoveries. Under the curatorship of Debbie James, the museum offers an engaging experience through audio tours, a virtual tour for mobility-impaired visitors, and tactile books for the visually impaired.
Significant for its connection to the Herschels, who resided here from 1777, the building is where William Herschel discovered Uranus in March 1781 using a telescope he designed and built on-site. Despite William's departure in 1782, Caroline and their brother Alexander remained until 1784.
Recognized for its historical importance, the building is a grade II* listed property by English Heritage. It underwent restoration in 1981 and again in 2000, featuring period-specific wallpaper and carpets based on 18th-century designs. The building's preservation was championed by the William Herschel Society, formed in 1977, and aided by Doctors Leslie and Elizabeth Hilliard, whose contributions are commemorated by the naming of asteroid 6395 Hilliard.
The museum, managed by the Herschel House Trust and governed by the Bath Preservation Trust since July 2015, was opened on the bicentennial of Uranus's discovery. Its patrons have included the notable astronomers Patrick Moore and Brian May. The museum is split over three floors within the house, with an ornamental garden attached, and a cinema within the vaults that shows documentaries on astronomical discoveries. Under the curatorship of Debbie James, the museum offers an engaging experience through audio tours, a virtual tour for mobility-impaired visitors, and tactile books for the visually impaired.
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Herschel Museum of Astronomy on Map
Sight Name: Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Sight Location: Bath, England (See walking tours in Bath)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bath, England (See walking tours in Bath)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bath, England
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Creating your own self-guided walk in Bath is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Another prominent attraction of Bath is its wonderful Georgian architecture. Many a street and square here are richly adorned with distinctively stylish buildings. In large part, the city owes it to two architects 鈥� father and son: John Wood, the Elder, and John Wood, the Younger. Constructed mostly from Bath Stone, a creamy limestone obtained in Combe Down and Bathampton Down Miles, these... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Among the most famous of them, undoubtedly, is the Jane Austen Centre. This charming Georgian townhouse provides a fascinating look... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
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Jane Austen lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806. Two of her novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, were set in this beautiful Georgian city. While interiors have certainly been... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Jane Austen lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806. Two of her novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, were set in this beautiful Georgian city. While interiors have certainly been... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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The only English city designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bath is a gorgeous city packed with history. Artifacts have been found from the Bronze and Iron Age in the surrounding hills. The Romans were the first to build around the remarkable hot mineral springs at the beginning of the first century. They constructed a temple and baths here, and since then, people have flocked to Bath for its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles