Airy, George Biddell, Sir, 1801 - 1892 (Knight, astronomer)
Person
Biography
Born at Alnwick, Northumberland. Educated at Colchester Grammar School and Trinity College, Cambridge. Elected a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1824. Lucasian Professor of Mathematics, 1826-28, Plumian Professor of Astronomy and director of the Cambridge Observatory, 1828-36, and Astronomer Royal, 1835-81. He married Richarda (1804-75), daughter of Richard Smith, Rector of Edensor, Derbyshire, in 1830, and left six children, including Wilfrid (1836-1925), Hubert (1838-1903), Osmund (1845-1928), and Hilda, who married Dr. Routh of Cambridge. Wilfrid, a civil engineer, edited Airy's autobiography in 1896.
Geographical areas
Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
Legal status / Nationality
British
Sphere of activity
Astronomy
Other information
See also:- Venn, DNB
Found in 132 Collections and/or Records:
File
Account of Observations of the Transit of Venus, 1881
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 59/77
Scope and Contents
'Account of Observations of the Transit of Venus, 1874, December 8 ... and of the Reduction of the Observations', edited by Sir G.B. Airy, and printed by H.M.S.O.
Dates:
1881
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).
File
Annual Meetings, 1881-1890, 1881 - 1890
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 55/1/5
Scope and Contents
Minutes of the Annual Meetings of the Board of Visitors, 1881-1890. The folder also contains a 'Memorandum on the Progress of the Numerical Lunar Theory' addressed to the Board of Visitors by G.B. Airy, 28 April 1883; an Address to the Board by the Astronomer Royal, 6 January 1887; and a copy of the manuscript of a proposed scheme by W.H.M. Christie for the increase of staff at the Royal Observatory, 4 June 1887.
Dates:
1881 - 1890
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).
Fonds
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
Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0265/UA/Obsy
Scope and Contents
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.
Dates:
1818 - 1999
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
The University Archives are generally freely available to the holder of a reader's ticket for the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library, West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DR. Restrictions on access are imposed on certain categories of sensitive record: financial, governmental and personal, by order of the originating body or under data protection legislation. Access information, including opening hours and how to obtain a reader's ticket, appears as part of the Library's web site (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Series
Astronomical Paintings, Drawings and Other Representations, 1677 - 1990
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 116
Scope and Contents
Illustrative material collected from various parts of the Royal Observatory archival stores; chiefly images of Royal Observatory buildings at Greenwich. The first two series, the engravings of Francis Place, are perhaps the most celebrated. Other items of note include drawings, sketches and watercolours of the buildings at Greenwich by relatives of the Astronomer Royal, George Airy, including his sisters-in-law Elizabeth Smith (RGO 116/3) and Caroline Smith (RGO 116/4), and his...
Dates:
1677 - 1990
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).
File
Astronomical papers, 1639 - 1675
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 1/76
Scope and Contents
Five papers on astronomical subjects bound together under the direction of G.B. Airy and added to the collection by him, with a list of contents in Airy's hand, 94 folios. The papers are in the hands of Flamsteed, Nicholas Stephenson and several unidentified scribes.1. 'Venus in Sole visa: seu Tractatus Astronomicus' by Jeremiah Horrocks, 1639, differing from the version that constitutes RGO 1/68C, but written in the same hand.2. 'Solares tabulae ex demonstratis fundamentis...
Dates:
1639 - 1675
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).
File
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
File
Reference Code: GBR/0265/UA/D.XII.34
Scope and Contents
From the Sub-Series:
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.
Dates:
1832-11-19
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
The University Archives are generally freely available to the holder of a reader's ticket for the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library, West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DR. Restrictions on access are imposed on certain categories of sensitive record: financial, governmental and personal, by order of the originating body or under data protection legislation. Access information, including opening hours and how to obtain a reader's ticket, appears as part of the Library's web site (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Calculations, 1830
File
Reference Code: GBR/0265/UA/Obsy D.5
Scope and Contents
From the Fonds:
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.
Dates:
1830
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
The University Archives are generally freely available to the holder of a reader's ticket for the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library, West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DR. Restrictions on access are imposed on certain categories of sensitive record: financial, governmental and personal, by order of the originating body or under data protection legislation. Access information, including opening hours and how to obtain a reader's ticket, appears as part of the Library's web site (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Found in:
Cambridge University Library
/
Cambridge University Archives
/
Teaching, learning and research records
/
Archives of the University Observatory, its sister body the Solar Physics Observatory, and their successors, the combined Observatories and Institute of Theoretical Astronomy
/
Observations and calculations records
File
Clock errors and rates, 1833 - 1835
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 5/24
Scope and Contents
Computation of clock errors and rates and their application to the Sun, Moon, planets and stars, by Pond and G.B. Airy; notes on the positioning of the instrument.
Dates:
1833 - 1835
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).
Sub-Series
Correspondence, notes and computations, 1835 - 1850
Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 15/31
Scope and Contents
Miscellaneous correspondence, notes and computations in sixteen sections:(1) (i) Lists of papers; (ii) a note on the transmission of papers to R. Sheepshanks; (iii) a list of papers belonging to F. Fallows, written by Samuel Johnson, 20 June 1835; and (iv) a letter to G.B. Airy from T. Henderson regarding the reduction of Fallows's observations.(2) Correspondence with G.B. Airy, 12 December 1845 - 29 October 1849, regarding the printing and reduction of F. Fallows's...
Dates:
1835 - 1850
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).
Sub-Series
Correspondence of Henderson, Airy and Maclear, 1832 - 1842
Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 15/30
Scope and Contents
Correspondence between T. Henderson, G.B. Airy and T. Maclear, comprising a letter from Henderson aboard H.M.S. 'Melville', 25 January 1832; a letter from Henderson concerning tables of corrections for the microscopes on the mural circle, 27 September 1833; a list of observations with the transit circle, 10 April 1832 - 24 May 1833, and the mural circle, 16 May 1832 - 24 May 1833, with a list of corrections to mural circle microscope readings, dated 27 September 1833; a memorandum by...
Dates:
1832 - 1842
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).
File
Correspondence on charities, 1874 - 1921
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 7/245
Scope and Contents
(1) Correspondence relating to the Charity Organisation Society's Meetings, 1906-1921Letters and postcards concerning the date of the October meeting, 1906.Calling card from Miss M.N. Johnson, the Society's secretary, 1906.Invitation card to the 24 October meeting, 1906.Report from the Charity Organisation Society, Greenwich Committee, for the year ending 30 September 1915.Report from the Charity Organisation Society, Greenwich Committee, for the year...
Dates:
1874 - 1921
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).
File
Correspondence on clocks, 1879 - 1927
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 7/252
Scope and Contents
(1) Correspondence regarding clocks and sympathetic clocks, 1879-1893Correspondence on clocks and sympathetic clocks not belonging to the Royal Observatory:Correspondence between H. Eaton, G.S. Criswick, T. Lewis, W.H.M. Christie, Dent and Co., H.H. Turner and J. Buckney regarding the Westminster Clock, 1879-1887. The topics discussed are poor signals from the clock; inaccurate time; errors and the stopping of the clock; renewal of signal wires; changes in the organisation...
Dates:
1879 - 1927
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).
File
Correspondence on instruments, 1849 - 1854
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 15/93
Scope and Contents
Correspondence of G.B. Airy and related papers under the heading 'Cape Observatory and Survey 1849 to 1854. Instruments', divided into thirteen sections:Notes on the barometer used by Henderson.Letters from G.B. Airy to W. Dolland regarding an eyepiece and level for the Cape Transit, 1850-1851.Sir J. Herschel's recommendation for the erection of a transit circle at the Cape, 27 December 1851.Correspondence with the Admiralty regarding the transit circle,...
Dates:
1849 - 1854
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).
File
Correspondence on instruments, surveys and publications, 1880 - 1929
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 15/76
Scope and Contents
Correspondence on different aspects of the work of the Cape Observatory:(1) Cape Observatory InstrumentsCorrespondence between G.B. Airy, W. De La Rue and D. Gill regarding the proposed large equatorial for the Cape, 10 April - 13 November 1880, with Airy's report to the Admiralty of 10 November 1880.Correspondence between G.B. Airy and J. Simms regarding iron stands for small transits, including diagrams, 21-28 July 1880.Correspondence between G.B. Airy and...
Dates:
1880 - 1929
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).
File
Correspondence on leave, 1876 - 1910
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 7/4
Scope and Contents
Correspondence between the Admiralty and the Astronomer Royal concerning the latter's requests for leave of absence from the Royal Observatory. The letters relate to two Astronomers Royal: Sir George Airy and Sir William Christie. The papers include a summary of the leaves of absence taken by each Astronomer Royal.
Dates:
1876 - 1910
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).
File
Correspondence on Observatory manuscripts, 1875 - 1914
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 8/49
Scope and Contents
Correspondence concerning manuscripts at the Royal Observatory, including letters regarding the preliminary enquiries (1912) and the official visit (1913) of the Royal Commission on Public Records; a 1914 copy of 'Reprint of Schedules governing the disposal of public records relative to the Admiralty by destruction or otherwise, 1877-1913'; correspondence on G.B. Airy's alterations and reorganisations in the Record Room; and a rough list of material held in the Record Room, July 1884.
Dates:
1875 - 1914
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).
File
Correspondence on photographic star charts, 1887 - 1892
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 7/216
Scope and Contents
Correspondence regarding the selection of guiding stars for the astrographic charts, 1891-1892.Correspondence with astronomers regarding photographic charts, 1887, including Sir George Airy's enquiry if visitors are to receive papers on star charts; A.A. Common on Isaac Roberts's photographs and the grant for photographic work; Herr Gotbard sending specimen stellar photographs; William Huggins and E. Knobel on the grant for the reduction of photographs; Isaac Roberts on stellar...
Dates:
1887 - 1892
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).
File
Correspondence on the Annual Visitation, 1858 - 1913
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 7/13
Scope and Contents
Correspondence and related papers concerning the Annual Visitations of the Board of Visitors to the Royal Observatory:Three new warrants issued to the Board of Visitors for the years 1858, 1901 and 1910.General correspondence concerning the arrangement of the Annual Visitation and dinner of the Board of Visitors, 1897, with a menu; a list of those wishing to attend the dinner; details for the arrangement of staff; applications to visit the Royal Observatory, accepted or...
Dates:
1858 - 1913
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).
File
Correspondence on the Cape Observatory, 1827 - 1845
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 15/28
Scope and Contents
Correspondence and some related papers regarding different aspects of the work and the instruments at the Cape Observatory, together with the Cape Survey, divided into five sections:N1. Cape Observations, General:Official Instructions to the Cape Astronomer, containing letters of instruction to F. Fallows and T. Maclear.Observations of Mauvais' Comet by Maclear at the Cape of Good Hope, August-October 1844.General correspondence with Maclear, including letters...
Dates:
1827 - 1845
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).
File
Correspondence on the Cape Observatory, 1845 - 1848
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 15/92
Scope and Contents
Correspondence entitled 'Cape Observatory and Survey 1845 to 1848. Printing 1839-1848', divided into ten sections:'Fallows's Observations and Henderson's Observations': correspondence between G.B. Airy, T. Maclear and the Admiralty, including a list compiled by C.P. Smyth of Henderson's Cape manuscripts, dated 24 July 1847.Papers relating to assistants at the Cape Observatory, 1846.'Instruments for the Cape Observatory': correspondence, 6 March 1846 - 19 April 1848,...
Dates:
1845 - 1848
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).
File
Correspondence on the Cape Observatory, 1870 - 1875
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 15/96
Scope and Contents
Correspondence regarding different aspects of the Cape Observatory, divided into four sections:Correspondence between the Admiralty, E.J. Stone and G.B. Airy, 20 July 1870 - 2 April 1875, including draft instructions defining Stone's duties at the Cape, details of how he found the Observatory to be on his arrival, and details of the memorial to Mr Mann, with regular reports on work being carried out.Correspondence regarding the appointment of an assistant at the Cape...
Dates:
1870 - 1875
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).
Sub-Series
Correspondence on the Cape Observatory and Survey, 1849 - 1854
Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 15/94
Scope and Contents
Correspondence and related papers concerning the Cape Observatory and Survey, divided into six sections:'Correspondence on the Cape Observatory excepting generally the Cape Survey'. Comprises general correspondence between G.B. Airy, T. Maclear and the Admiralty, 28 February 1849 - 9 December 1854, regarding the Cape Observatory, including the preparation of annual reports, general information on the progress of work, the burning down of the Magnetic Observatory and observations of...
Dates:
1849 - 1854
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).
File
Correspondence on the Cape Observatory and Survey, 1855 - 1870
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 15/95
Scope and Contents
A set of correspondence entitled 'Cape Observatory and Survey 1855 to 1870 July', divided into eight sections:General correspondence and papers regarding the Cape Observatory and Cape Survey, 9 April 1855 - 20 July 1870, comprised largely of correspondence between T. Maclear and G.B. Airy. There are letters regarding Encke's Comet; general reports on Observatory business; letters on the Cape Survey; a printed copy of 'Observations of Zenith Distances with the Transit Circle, 1855';...
Dates:
1855 - 1870
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).
File
Correspondence on the Cape Observatory and Survey, 1875 - 1879
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 15/97
Scope and Contents
Correspondence regarding the Cape Observatory and Survey, divided into eight sections:Official correspondence between G.B. Airy, E.J. Stone and the Admiralty, 28 March 1876 - 3 November 1877, including a report on the Cape Observatory by Stone for 11 August 1874 to 31 August 1876, with remarks by Airy; a copy of the 'Cape Catalogue of Stars for 1840'; and letters concerning the salaries of those working at the Cape.Official correspondence, 31 January - 12 December 1879,...
Dates:
1875 - 1879
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).
File
Correspondence on the Observatory and Herstmonceux, 1956 - 1959
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 9/2
Scope and Contents
Correspondence and some related papers regarding Herstmonceux Castle and the Royal Greenwich Observatory, including the following items:Correspondence regarding the 1958 Public Records Act, 1959.Correspondence regarding the opening of the Castle grounds to the public, 1959.Correspondence regarding the visit of Lord Euston, a representative of the National Trust, 1959.Correspondence regarding the layout and management of the Castle grounds, 1959.Copy of...
Dates:
1956 - 1959
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).