Airy, George Biddell, Sir, 1801 - 1892 (Knight, astronomer)
Dates and places
1801-1892. Born at Alnwick, Northumberland. Educated at Colchester Grammar School and Trinity College, Cambridge. Lucasian Professor of Mathematics, 1826-8; Plumian Professor of Astronomy and Experimental Philosophy, 1828-36; Director of the Cambridge Observatory, 1828-36. Astronomer Royal, 1836-81.
Geographical areas
Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
Legal status / Nationality
British
Sphere of activity
Astronomy
Other information
See also:- Venn, DNB
Found in 19 Collections and/or Records:
Archives of the University Observatory, its sister body the Solar Physics Observatory, and their successors, the combined Observatories and Institute of Theoretical Astronomy, 1818 - 1999
The archives comprise the records of internal governance, finance, building and equipment development and astronomical observation, together with several small assortments of personal papers of individuals associated with the University Observatory, its sister and successor bodies, such as G.B. Airy, H.F. Newall and R.O. Redman.
Bargain and sale by Mrs Sophia Lagden and Revd William Benson, trustees for sale of land under will of Revd H.A. Lagden, deceased, to Professor Airy, of four enclosures called Cobshall and New Englands in Balsham, held of the manor of Balsham; with copy, 1832-11-19
The revenue from the estate endowed the Plumian Professorship of Astronomy (and Experimental Philosophy), founded in 1704 in pursuance of the will of Thomas Plume, DD. The bequest was to cover the cost of the erection of an observatory, and the stipend, residence and instruments of the Professor.
Calculations, 1830
The archives comprise the records of internal governance, finance, building and equipment development and astronomical observation, together with several small assortments of personal papers of individuals associated with the University Observatory, its sister and successor bodies, such as G.B. Airy, H.F. Newall and R.O. Redman.
Discovery of Neptune papers, 1845 - 1976
Comprise: correspondence and observations; photocopy of article on G.B. Airy in the 'Eagle', Easter 1976.
Family letters to Hilda Routh (née Airy) on her honeymoon, 1-23 September 1864
A set of letters sent to Hilda Routh, George Airy's eldest daughter, during her honeymoon in September 1864 by George Airy, his wife Richarda, Hilda’s sisters, Christabel and Annot, and brother Hubert. The letters are of a personal nature and are originally tied together with string.
Family papers of George Biddell Airy
Letter from Thomas Maclear (RO, Cape of Good Hope) to Francis Baily, 25 October 1835
Concerning the publication of Cape observations by Fallows and Maclear; the accuracy of the transit clock; the expansion of the Cape Observatory; observations of Halley's Comet, 1-24 September 1835; C. Piazzi Smyth's suitability as an assistant; and Brisbane’s Cape Catalogue. The people mentioned include G.B. Airy, R. Sheepshanks, Captain Beaufort, W.G. Grey, F. Fallows, Sir John Herschel and C. Piazzi Smyth.
Letter to Anna Listing from George B. Airy, 2 January 1879
A set of papers relating to George B. Airy and his family, particularly Wilfred Airy. Includes correspondence, obituaries of George Airy, items relating to the erection of an obelisk at Playford, miscellaneous historical papers, and a substantial set of family photographs.
Letter to George Biddell from George B. Airy, 17 January 1848
Describing an apparatus he wished to build, with drawings.
Letter to Hilda Routh from George B. Airy, 17 September 1864
A set of letters sent to Hilda Routh, George Airy's eldest daughter, during her honeymoon in September 1864 by George Airy, his wife Richarda, Hilda’s sisters, Christabel and Annot, and brother Hubert. The letters are of a personal nature and are originally tied together with string.
Letter to Hilda Routh from George B. Airy, 3 September 1864
A set of letters sent to Hilda Routh, George Airy's eldest daughter, during her honeymoon in September 1864 by George Airy, his wife Richarda, Hilda’s sisters, Christabel and Annot, and brother Hubert. The letters are of a personal nature and are originally tied together with string.
Letter to Wilfred Airy from George B. Airy, 7 May 1886
Concerning Wilfred's visit to Egypt, the Great Pyramid at Giza, and Alexandria.
Obituary notices of Sir George B. Airy, 1892
Includes a caricature of Airy with an accompanying note by C. May.
Occultations, 1830 - 1836
The archives comprise the records of internal governance, finance, building and equipment development and astronomical observation, together with several small assortments of personal papers of individuals associated with the University Observatory, its sister and successor bodies, such as G.B. Airy, H.F. Newall and R.O. Redman.
Original copper plates for G.B. Airy's account of the Northumberland equatorial telescope, 1844
The archives comprise the records of internal governance, finance, building and equipment development and astronomical observation, together with several small assortments of personal papers of individuals associated with the University Observatory, its sister and successor bodies, such as G.B. Airy, H.F. Newall and R.O. Redman.
Personal papers of George Biddell Airy, 1828 - 1980
The archives comprise the records of internal governance, finance, building and equipment development and astronomical observation, together with several small assortments of personal papers of individuals associated with the University Observatory, its sister and successor bodies, such as G.B. Airy, H.F. Newall and R.O. Redman.
Photographs of George B. Airy, c.1856-1891
Includes three studio photographs taken in 1866, another taken on his 80th birthday (27 July 1881), and three taken on his 90th birthday (27 July 1891).
Portrait of George B. Airy, c.1836-1840
Portrait of George Biddell Airy, Astronomer Royal; half length, seated, to the left, looking at viewer, with his hands together in his lap. Inscribed with a dedication to the king listing Airy as 'F.R.S. Professor of Astronomy in the University of Cambridge'. 'Drawn by Wageman' / 'On Stone by Isaac W. Slater' / [published by] 'W Mason'.
Press cuttings relating mainly to the Airy family, 1860 - 1875
A set of newspaper clippings concerning:
George Airy, including reports on his appointment as Knight Commander and on his observation of a solar eclipse in 1860;
Edward Routh;
the launch of the Victor Emmanuel at Greenwich and its naming by Hilda Airy, 1856;
the death of Dr William Whewell;
a funeral notice for Lady Richarda Airy, 1875.
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- Archival Object 18
- Collection 1
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- Astronomy 3
- Travel 2
- Academic buildings 1
- Alexandria, Egypt (inhabited place) 1
- Ancient history 1
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- Astrophysics 1
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- Giza Pyramids (ruins) 1
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