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The Herschel family’s connection to Slough centres on their life and work in Upton, where William Herschel lived, worked, and made some of the most important astronomical discoveries in history. Their presence shaped the cultural and scientific identity of the area, and the legacy remains visible today in Herschel Park and local heritage sites.

⭐ Who Were the Herschels?

The Herschel family were a remarkable dynasty of astronomers and musicians. The key figures connected with Slough are:

• Sir William Herschel (1738–1822) – Astronomer who discovered the planet Uranus in 1781.
• Caroline Herschel (1750–1848) – His sister, a pioneering astronomer who discovered eight comets and became the first woman to receive a salary for scientific work.
• Sir John Herschel (1792–1871) – William’s son, an astronomer, mathematician, and photographic pioneer.

🏡 The Herschels in Slough (Upton)

The family moved to Upton, now part of Slough, in the 1780s. Their home, known as Herschel House, stood near what is now Herschel Park. Although the original house no longer survives, the site is marked and preserved within the park’s heritage landscape.

Why Upton?

William Herschel chose the area because it offered:

• Clearer skies than central London
• Proximity to Windsor, where he was appointed Royal Astronomer to George III
• Enough space to build his large telescopes, including the famous 40‑foot reflector

🔭 Scientific Achievements Connected to Slough

While living in Upton (Slough), the Herschels made several major contributions:

• Construction of the world’s largest telescope (40‑foot reflector) in the garden of their Upton home
• Cataloguing thousands of stars, nebulae, and clusters, laying foundations for modern astronomy
• Development of new telescope‑making techniques
• Caroline Herschel’s comet discoveries, many of which were observed from Slough
• Early experiments in photography and light by John Herschel, influencing the development of photographic fixing agents

These achievements made Slough one of the most important scientific locations in Britain during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

🌳 Herschel Park: A Living Legacy

The area around the Herschel home later became Upton Park, a Victorian landscaped garden. In 2011 it was restored and renamed Herschel Park in honour of the family.

Key features include:

• A heritage trail marking the site of the Herschel home
• Victorian landscaping restored to its original 1840s design
• Information boards celebrating the Herschels’ scientific work
• A wildlife‑rich green space linking Slough’s past and present

🏛️ Cultural Impact on Slough

The Herschels’ presence helped shape Slough’s identity as a place of innovation, science, and discovery. Their legacy is reflected in:

• Herschel Park
• Herschel Grammar School
• Local heritage projects and museum displays
• Slough’s association with astronomy and scientific achievement