Essex

Research into this county was carried out by the late Kenneth J Goward FRAS with additional information added by Roger Hutchins (Feb 2012).

SHA County Coordinator:  David Rayment

The Society would be delighted to hear from anyone with more information about this county’s links with astronomy. Can you add anything to the names of the people and places listed below? Please contact me if you have anything however small. We need a coordinator for Essex. Please contact me if you are interested (see below)

Astronomers

Associated People

Authors, lecturers and broadcasters etc.

Hardcastle, Frances (1866-1941), born Writtle, privately educated before entering Girton College, Cambridge and sitting its Tripos examination, at a time before women were awarded degrees by the university. Following a career as a mathematician, she assisted Arthur Berry with the publication of  his A Short History of Astronomy (1898) before retiring due to poor health in 1904. Later she was active in the Suffragette Movement campaigning for woman’s votes (ODNB).

Makers/Manufacturers

G. Calver (1871-1904), telescope manufacturer (reflectors), established by George Calver (1834-1927) with its factory located at Widford, Chelmsford – business moved to Walpole, Suffolk (Dall 1975).

English & Sons (c.1950-1970s), telescope & optical retailers/suppliers based at Hutton, Brentwood.

Observatories

Astronomy Groups

Useful addresses

Essex Record Office
Wharf Road
Chelmsford CM2 6YT
England

Tel 01245 244644
Fax 01245 244655

Email ero.enquiry@essexcc.gov.uk
URL http://www.essexcc.gov.uk/ero

Essex Society for Family History.
Secretary, Mrs A Church, 32 Parsons Heath, Colchester, CO4 3HX