Charles Piazzi Smyth FRSE, FRS, FRAS, FRSSA, St John’s Churchyard, Sharow, N Yorks, UK - Grave of a Famous Person on Waymarking.com

Charles Piazzi Syth was born in 1819 in Naples to Captain William Henry Smyth and his wife Annarella. His middle name is derived from his godfather Guiseppe Piazzi, an Italian astronomer. He was educated at Bedford school and, at the age of sixteen, became an assistant to Sir Thomas Maclear at the Cape of Good Hope Observatory.

In 1846 he was appointed Astronomer Royal for Scotland and professor of astronomy at the University of Edinburgh. Astronomical observations were hampered by atmospheric effects in Edinburgh and Smyth persuaded the Admiralty to allow observations to be carried out in Tenerife. In 1856 he succeeded in making observations at high altitude in Tenerife, a pioneering achievement.

From 1871 Smyth became interested in spectral analysis and constructed a solar spectral map in 1887. For this map he received the Makdougall Brisbane Prize. In 1888 Smyth resigned his post in protest at the lack of funding for astronomical equipment. Following his resignation he retired to Sharow.

Smyth was a passionate Egyptologist. He went on an expedition to the Great Pyramid and performed a precision survey. Based on his expedition findings he published a book Our Inheritance in the Great Pyramid in 1864. He claimed to have found numerical relationships between the pyramid measurements and astronomical distances and calendar times. He was awarded a gold medal by the Royal Society of Edinburgh for his measurement work. His work influenced many people, but were eventually sidelined by measurements made by William Matthew Flinders Petrie.

Smyth died in 1900 and is buried at St. John's Church, Sharow, in a small stone pyramid-shaped monument.

The upper plaque on the grave is dedicated to Piazzi’s wife, Jessie. The lower plaque reads

“Besides the earthly remains of his Lamented Wife, here lies interred the Body of

Charles Piazzi Smyth.

Born 3rd January 1819, died February 21st 1900.

Astronomer Royal for Scotland from 1845 to 1888, who earned unperishing renown by his Journeys to distant lands for scientific objects and by his eminent Astronomical and other Scientific Writings and Researches. As Bold in enterprise as he was Resolute in demanding a proper measure of public sympathy and support for Astronomy in Scotland, he was not less a living emblem of pious patience under Troubles and Afflictions, and he has sunk to rest, laden with well-earned Scientific Honours, a Bright Star in the Firmament of Ardent Explorers of the Works of their Creator.

Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to Labour and to Wait.

He prayeth best, who loveth best. All things both great and small: For the dear God who loveth us, He made and loveth all.”

Description: Astronomer and Egyptologist Date of birth: 01/03/1819 Date of death: 02/21/1900 Area of notoriety: Science/Technology Marker Type: Monument Setting: Outdoor Fee required?: No Web site: [Web Link] Visiting Hours/Restrictions: Not listed

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