We have also had occasion to mention
that among the illustrious successors of Flamsteed both Halley and
Bradley are to be included. But a remarkable development of
Greenwich Observatory from the modest establishment of early days
took place under the direction of the distinguished astronomer whose
name is at the head of this chapter. By his labours this temple of
science was organised to such a degree of perfection that it has
served in many respects as a model for other astronomical
establishments in various parts of the world. An excellent account
of Airy's career has been given by Professor H. H. Turner, in the
obituary notice published by the Royal Astronomical Society. To this
I am indebted for many of the particulars here to be set down
concerning the life of the illustrious Astronomer Royal.
The family from which Airy took his origin came from Kentmere, in
Westmoreland. His father, William Airy, belonged to a Lincolnshire
branch of the same stock. His mother's maiden name was Ann Biddell,
and her family resided at Playford, near Ipswich. William Airy held
some small government post which necessitated an occasional change of
residence to different parts of the country, and thus it was that his
son, George Biddell, came to be born at Alnwick, on 27th July, 1801.
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