Herschel, Sir William, 1738-1822 (Knight, astronomer and musician)
Biography
Herschel, William (1738-1822), musician and astronomer, was born at Hanover on 15 November 1738, and baptized Friedrich Wilhelm. He was the fourth of the ten children (and the third of six to survive infancy) of Isaac Herschel (1707-1767), a former gardener who was then an oboist in the Hanoverian foot guards, and his wife, Anna Ilse Moritzen. All the children, except the eldest, inherited their father's musical talent; and, although the family lived in humble circumstances, the boys were encouraged to take a lively interest in scientific and philosophical questions. Herschel attended the garrison school, where he proved an apt pupil.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Letter from Fearon Fallows (Cape Town) to [F. Baily], 15-17 June 1822
Letter eulogising Sir William Herschel. It also mentions Fallows's ill health, the progress of the Cape Observatory, the merits of various instruments, and attempts to locate a comet. People mentioned include J.R. Young, Sir William Herschel, Mr Colebroke, Captain B. Hall, Baron de Lack, W. Pearson and Captain Colby.