Herschel Museum of Astronomy

Herschel Museum of Astronomy in Bath is a small museum in a Georgian town house at 19 New King Street, once the home of William Herschel and his sister Caroline. It opened to the public in 1981 and stands on the spot where one of the most famous discoveries in the history of astronomy was made.

What happened in this house?

On 13 March 1781, William Herschel was observing the night sky from the garden behind the house with a telescope he had built himself. He spotted an object that turned out not to be a star or a comet but a new planet, later named Uranus. It was the first planet found since antiquity, and it roughly doubled the known size of the Solar System. A stone marker in the garden shows where the telescope stood.

The discovery changed Herschel's life. Until then he had been a professional musician, and astronomy was a passion pursued in his spare time. Recognition followed, and with it royal patronage from King George III, which allowed him to devote himself to the study of the sky.

Who were the Herschels?

William was born in Hanover and settled in Bath as a musician. He was a self-taught astronomer who ground his own mirrors and built his own instruments, often working late into the night. His sister Caroline joined him in England and helped with the observations, calculations and records. She became an astronomer in her own right and discovered several comets, which earned her wide respect among scientists of her time.

The museum also tells the story of William's son John Herschel, who continued the family's work in science.

What can you see inside?

The rooms are furnished in the style of the late 18th century, so the visit feels like walking into a working household rather than a gallery. You will find:

• instruments and models connected with the Herschels' observations,
• the rooms where the family lived and worked, including a music room that recalls William's career as a musician,
• the workshop area, where telescope mirrors were made and polished,
• the garden with the discovery marker.

Occasionally the museum organises astronomy-themed events and sessions in the garden.

Practical tips

• Where is it? In the centre of Bath, a short walk from the main sights of the old town.
• How long does a visit take? The house is compact, so an hour is usually enough, a little more if you like to read every exhibit.
• Accessibility: the house has stairs to the first floor and basement, so visitors with limited mobility may want to contact the museum beforehand.
• Opening hours and prices change, so check the museum's official website before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Where was Uranus discovered? In the garden of this house at 19 New King Street in Bath, on 13 March 1781.

Who lived here? William Herschel and his sister Caroline, both of whom contributed to the astronomy of their era.

Is the museum suitable for people who are not astronomy experts? Yes. The story of the house, the family and the discovery is told in an accessible way and works well for curious visitors of any age.

When did the museum open? In 1981, in the former Herschel home.