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Maskelyne, Nevil, 1732-1811 (astronomer and mathematician)

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1732 - 1811

Biography

Nevil Maskelyne (1732-1811), astronomer and mathematician, was born in London on 6 October 1732, and educated at Westminster School. He entered Catherine Hall, Cambridge, in 1749, but migrated subsequently to Trinity College (B.A., 1754; M.A., 1757; D.D., 1777), where he became a Fellow in 1757. He was ordained curate of Barnet, Hertfordshire, in 1755, and received the living of Shrawardine, Shropshire, 1775, and the rectory of North Runcton, Norfolk, 1782. He was appointed Astronomer Royal in 1765 and oversaw the publication of the first 'Nautical Almanac' in 1766. In 1774 he planned and superintended the Schiehallion Experiment, which attempted to determine the earth's density by examining the gravitational attraction of a mountain in Perthshire. During his lifetime, he made over 90,000 observations, which were published in instalments between 1776 and 1811. He died at Greenwich Observatory on 9 February 1811.

Found in 263 Collections and/or Records:

 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1787-06-05

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 264
Scope and Contents

Concerning observations taken (including observations for the rate of the timekeeper, K1).

Dates: 1787-06-05
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1787-06-09

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 265-266
Scope and Contents

Concerning observations made and including revised calculations of latitudes and longitudes by the timekeeper [K1].

Dates: 1787-06-09
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1787-08-06

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 267-268
Scope and Contents

Reporting on their progress (the ship had arrived at Rio de Janeiro) and on observations made en route. Dawes also mentions that his cabin was partially under water and that his Requisite Tables had been damaged and needed replacing.

Dates: 1787-08-06
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1787-09-03

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 269-276
Scope and Contents

Reporting on observations made at the Island of Enxadas, Rio de Janeiro. The letter includes mention of a visit by two astronomers from Portugal employed to settle the limits between the Spanish and Portuguese settlements in Brazil.

Dates: 1787-09-03
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-04-23

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 277-280
Scope and Contents

Reporting on observations made in Rio de Janeiro and on meeting Colonel Gordon, Commandant of the troops at Cape Town and a keen astronomer. Dawes reports that he had arranged with Gordon for observations to be made at Cape Town of the comet which was expected the following year; he also lists Gordon's instruments and books to show his ability for the task.

Dates: 1788-04-23
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-04-30 - 1788-05-05

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 281-282
Scope and Contents

Written from the new settlement at New South Wales. Dawes reports on his work there, mentioning the lack of resources and the clearing of land for an observatory. He includes a rough sketch of the observatory.

Dates: 1788-04-30 - 1788-05-05
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-07-10

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 283-284
Scope and Contents

Reporting on his activities between leaving the Cape of Good Hope and his arrival at Sydney. The letter also includes an account of constructing the observatory in Sydney, and of the practical difficulties involved, particularly in finding suitable materials and craftsmen. He mentions, for example, that the forty marines employed in the work had to be provided with rum, water and new shoes (due to the damage from brushwood). Dawes also seeks further money and provisions.

Dates: 1788-07-10
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-07-12

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 285-286
Scope and Contents

Reporting on the status of the observatory (which was nearly complete), on expenses incurred, and on his role there.

Dates: 1788-07-12
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-10-01

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 287-288
Scope and Contents Reporting on his activities at the observatory in Sydney, mentioning that much of his time had been employed 'in matters quite foreign to astronomy', and that while he had estimated the track of the comet, he had yet to see it. Dawes also reports that he intended to stay in New South Wales for a further three years, on the basis that he could not leave until a suitable person was sent out to take over: 'I think it would be a great pity to lose an established observatory in this Hemisphere'...
Dates: 1788-10-01
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-11-17

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 289-289a
Scope and Contents

Informing Maskelyne that he had a sent a letter via the Fishburn under Captain [Robert] Brown.

Dates: 1788-11-17
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Gooch, Brockdish, Norfolk, 1794-04-27

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/19: 1
Scope and Contents

The letter is concerned with the settling of accounts.

Dates: 1794-04-27
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Series

Letter from William Gooch to his mother, Sarah Gooch, 29 Apr. 1791

 Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 31-32
Scope and Contents

Concerning whether or not he would go abroad, Dr Maskelyne's close observation of him, his tasks at Greenwich, and clothing required for the voyage.

Dates: 29 Apr. 1791
Conditions Governing Access: From the File: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Series

Letter from William Gooch to his parents, 13 June 1791

 Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 38-39
Scope and Contents

Concerning the Board's resolution with regard to his salary, a box received from his mother, and a visit to Sir Joseph Banks.

Dates: 13 June 1791
Conditions Governing Access: From the File: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Series

Letter from William Gooch to his parents, 26 Feb. 1791

 Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 22-23
Scope and Contents

Concerning a delay to the departure and his expected duties as astronomer.

Dates: 26 Feb. 1791
Conditions Governing Access: From the File: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Series

Letter from William Gooch to his parents, 21 Apr. 1791

 Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 26-27
Scope and Contents

Concerning an interview with Nevil Maskelyne.

Dates: 21 Apr. 1791
Conditions Governing Access: From the File: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Innes on finding the longitude by the moon's meridian altitude, 1809-02-25

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/34: 152-154
Scope and Contents From the Series: The first part of collection is comprised of papers concerning the internal affairs of the Board of Longitude, including the granting of awards, accounts, minutes, committee papers, petitions and memorials, the loan of instruments, publications and the payment of staff. These are followed by a wide range of papers relating to the Board's work, concerning clocks, chronometers and other instruments; longitude and latitude; magnetic variation; schemes and inventions; tables; pendulum...
Dates: 1809-02-25
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Letter from William Manwaring, Paddington, 1799-12-17

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/32: 1-2
Scope and Contents

The letter was sent with gifts of a pair of pigeons and some pears. The letter is covered with various computations in Maskelyne's hand.

Dates: 1799-12-17
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Marrat on an instrument for measuring altitude, 1803-11-01

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/45: 237-240
Scope and Contents

Includes a drawing.

Dates: 1803-11-01
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Marsden, Fort Marlborough (Bengkulu in Indonesia), 1772-11-25

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/6: 1-2
Scope and Contents

In the letter Marsden praises Maskelyne's 'British Mariner's Guide' and method of finding longitude, and relates his own observations made with a sextant.

Dates: 1772-11-25
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Wales, 1786-03-23

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/12: 1
Scope and Contents

Covering letter sent with an enclosed paper (non-extant) commenting on the accuracy of some tables.

Dates: 1786-03-23
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Letter from William Wales, Christ's Hospital, 1798-06-05

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/30: 1
Scope and Contents

The letter is concerned with a set of papers which are to be examined by the Board of Longitude Oversight Committee which included Sir Joseph Banks. The letter is covered with various computations.

Dates: 1798-06-05
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter notifying Andrews that Maskelyne was very ill, sent by his daughter Margaret Maskelyne, 1811-02-07

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/149: 98-99
Scope and Contents From the File:

The letters are primarily from Nevil Maskelyne but include three sent to Andrews by Margaret Maskelyne, following the death of her father.

Dates: 1811-02-07
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter of sympathy from Latitia Booth to her niece Margaret Maskelyne, 1811-02-12

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 218/10/17/1
Scope and Contents

On the death of Margaret's father, Nevil Maskelyne.

Dates: 1811-02-12
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter to Nevil Maskelyne, 1806-03-01

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/68: 82-83
Scope and Contents

From Mr Marsden concerning papers from Captain Flinders.

Dates: 1806-03-01
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter to Nevil Maskelyne from the clerk of the check, Greenwich Hospital, 1809-11-21

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/55: 134-134a
Scope and Contents

Concerning a submission [from Peter Rothwell].

Dates: 1809-11-21
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).