The Family Tombstone of Edmund Halley -- Royal Observatory, Greenwich, London, UK
N 51° 28.687 W 000° 00.108
30U E 708191 N 5707258
The family tombstone of Edmond Halley, relocated to the Prime Meridian Garden overlooking the Prime Meridian (and his meridian line) at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich from St. Margaret's in Lee
Waymark Code: WMT47D
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 09/22/2016
Views: 3
Visitors to the Royal Observatoty need to keep a sharp eye out, because you never know what cool science or technology thing you will find squirreled away on a wall or tucked into a corner.
For example: This, the original tombstone of Edmond Halley, 2nd Astronomer Royal, and discoverer of Halley's Comet.
The tombstone is mostly in Latin, but helpfully there is a historic plaque with a translation, as follows:
"THE FAMILY TOMBSTONE OF EDMOND HALLEY (1656-1742) 2ND ASTRONOMER ROYAL 1720-1742
The tombstone was moved to the observatory from the churchyard of St. Margaret's in Lee when Halley's tomb was restored by the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty in 1854. Tomb itself is still located St. Margaret's with a replica tombstone in place.
The Latin inscription reads:
'Beneath this tombstone, Edmond Halley, unquestionably the most eminent of the astronomers of his age, rests peacefully with his dearest wife. So that the reader may know what kind and how great a man Hallie was, read his various writings in which he dignified, embellished and strengthened almost all the arts and sciences.
And therefore, as he was man so greatly cherished by his fellow citizens during his lifetime, so let a grateful posterity venerate his memory. Born in the Year of Our Lord 1656. Died 1741/2.
This stone was consecrated to excellent parents by two devoted daughters in the year 1742.'"
Beneath the Latin inscriptions, the names and burials of Halley's wife and daughter are inscribed as follows:
"Here is also intern'd Mrs. MARGARET HALLEY
The Eldest Daughter of the Above D HALLEY
She died on the 13 of Oct 1743
In the 55 Year of her Age
Also Mrs. Catherine Price, Youngest Daughter of the Above, who died Nov. the 10 1765, Aged 77 Years"
Original Location: N 51° 27.771 E 000° 00.044
How it was moved: Wheels / Dolly / Truck
Type of move: City to City
Building Status: Museum
Related Website: [Web Link]
|
Visit Instructions:
Tell of your visit. Post an original photograph if possible.