At 19 New King Street in Bath, this Georgian townhouse was home to astronomers William and Caroline Herschel. William discovered Uranus here in 1781 using a telescope he designed and built. Restored rooms, period furnishings and astronomical instruments bring their household and work into view, while the back garden marks the setting of the discovery. Look for telescope replicas, globes and planetaria, and for the workshop where William made equipment. The museum also explores the siblings’ musical lives, so there is more to see than astronomy alone.
The Herschels’ home on New King Street
The museum occupies the Georgian townhouse at 19 New King Street where William Herschel lived with his sister Caroline. The rooms are furnished to evoke the period when the siblings lived and worked there, with period furniture and details alongside objects connected to their daily lives. A music room reflects another side of their household: both William and Caroline were accomplished musicians as well as astronomers.
The house is compact, but its rooms connect domestic life with scientific work. As you move through the townhouse, look for astronomical objects among the furnishings, including globes and planetaria. The displays also place William and Caroline’s achievements in the context of the home where they pursued them.
The telescope and the discovery of Uranus
William Herschel discovered Uranus in 1781 from the garden of this house, using a telescope of his own design. He made his own astronomical instruments, and the museum’s displays include telescope replicas and equipment connected with that work. A replica gives you a sense of the kind of instrument involved without presenting it as an original.
The basement workshop is another important stop. William worked there on telescope-making, including the preparation of speculum metal mirrors. The museum also displays a mirror-grinding machine associated with his instrument-making. Together, the workshop and the garden connect the practical work of building a telescope with the observation made outside.
Caroline Herschel and the museum garden
Caroline Herschel’s work is part of the story here, alongside her brother’s. The museum explores the siblings’ lives and astronomical achievements, and a children’s audio-visual guide follows Caroline through the house and its objects. Globes, planetaria and telescopes help younger visitors connect the rooms with the study of space.
At the back of the house, the garden is the place associated with William’s discovery of Uranus. It also offers a change of pace from the indoor displays, with a Georgian-style design and plantings that include quinces and cypresses. Allow time to look around before leaving; the garden helps make clear how closely the discovery is tied to this particular home.
FAQ
Where is the Herschel Museum of Astronomy?
It is at 19 New King Street in Bath, in the former home of William and Caroline Herschel.
What is the Herschel Museum known for?
William Herschel discovered Uranus from the house’s garden in 1781, using a telescope he designed and built.
What can you see inside the museum?
The restored townhouse contains period furnishings, astronomical instruments, telescope replicas, globes, planetaria and a basement workshop connected with William’s telescope-making.
Is the Herschel Museum suitable for children?
Yes. The museum is listed as suitable for children and has an audio-visual guide for children that follows Caroline Herschel through the house.
Can you pay cash for admission?
No. Admission is cashless, so bring a card.
