The William Herschel Museum is dedicated to the many achievements of the Herschels, who were distinguished astronomers as well as talented musicians.
It was from this house, using a telescope of his own design that William discovered the planet Uranus in 1781. His observations helped to double the known size of the solar system. Following a tradition of the great astronomers of the renaissance he pushed forward the science of building telescopes. He was rewarded for his work by King George III, and also received the Copley Medal. Caroline also made a huge contribution to the field of astronomy. The work of the Herschels clearly had an impact on modern science and space exploration.
The Herschel Museum is devoted to preserving the home of Caroline and William Herschel who between them discovered numerous celestial bodies including comets, some of Saturn's moons and the planet Uranus. Additionally, the Hershel's designed what was then the world's largest telescope. William Hershel is also known for his work in mathematics and as the discoveror of infrared light. The site includes brief biographies of the two Hershels as well as information about the Museum and Museum exhibits.