19 New King Street, now the William Herschel Museum, was home to astronomer and musician William Herschel and his sister Caroline during the last quarter of the 18th century. Herschel first came to Bath as an aspiring musician but it was from this place using a telescope of his own design that discovered the planet Uranus; the first since ancient times. It is now a museum visited by people with an interest in astronomy, history at local and national level, as well as Georgian architecture and interiors. The work of Caroline Herschel, one of the earliest female astronomers is also celebrated at the Museum. The workshop where William ground his mirrors and fabricated his telescopes is still in place while at the rear of the house is a fine example of a town house garden of the period. The Star Vault astronomy auditorium gives a fascinating introduction to the museum and the impact that Herschel’s work has had on modern space travel and astronomy.
19 New King Street forms part of Bath’s rich heritage and has a special place in the identity of the city.
The museum has an audio tour in English with a facility for visitors who are blind, a virtual, panoramic tour and additional aids for visitors with disabilities.
For more information see our museum website.
Quintessentially 18th century Bath - The Daily Telegraph
