By the end of this year the volunteers of Purton Historical Society are hoping that the name and achievements of Nevil Maskelyne will be known throughout the land (or at least Wiltshire!).

The Society has managed to secure a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to commemorate the life of one of Purton’s greatest sons, the Astronomer Royal Nevil Maskelyne who died 200 years ago in 1811.

Maskelyne was prominent in attempts to solve the longitude problem as recorded in the 1995 book by Dava Sobel. He also took part in many scientific expeditions at home and abroad, including one to the highlands to establish the specific gravity of the earth. In 1767 he compiled and published the first Nautical Almanac, an aid to mariners that established Greenwich as the prime meridian.

Nevil Maskelyne, Astronomer Royal 1765-1811

Maskelyne died in Feb 1811 aged 78 years and was buried in St Mary's churchyard, Purton. A commemoration was held on 11th February 2011 with a wreath laying at his tomb, followed by a presentation on Maskelyne’s life and achievements.

Maskelyne's Tomb in the churchyard at St. Mary's Church, Purton

Various events will be held in Purton throughout 2011, including:

• An exhibition in Purton museum on Maskelyne’s work, where visitors will be able to view contemporary scientific instruments.
• The chance to have a go in the Explorer Dome Planetarium on Friday 20th May.
• Saturday 21^st May will be Astronomy Day at Bradon Forest School, with activities from 2pm, culminating in a lecture on Maskelyne by Dr Richard Dunn of the National Maritime Museum.
• On 20th August a family day will be held in the village hall with fun activities for all ages based on science and astronomy.

For full details and to book tickets please visit www.maskelynebicentenary.org.uk

Congratulations to the team at Purton for gaining their grant and putting together a fantastic series of events.

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