Newbury birthplace of Francis Baily to be marked with blue plaque

Unveiling ceremony to take place at astronomer's home in Northbrook Street

THE birthplace of a Newbury astronomer who made a substantial contribution to his field will be marked with a heritage plaque next week.

On Monday, at 11am, the Mayor of Newbury Howard Bairstow will unveil the blue plaque to mark the birth place of Francis Baily (1774-1844), discoverer of Baily’s Beads.

Baily was four-times elected president of the Royal Astronomical Society and was known for his star catalogues, observing eclipses, and measuring the density of the earth.

However, it was his discovery of the “Baily’s beads” phenomenon for which he is best remembered.

The beads are the bright spots of light that are visible at the beginning and end of solar eclipses as the light from the sun passes the irregular edge of the moon.

If only one bead is seen, the effect can look like a diamond ring.

Professor Mike Edmunds, vice-president of the Royal Astronomical Society, who will be attending the unveiling, said: “It is a very great pleasure to see that Francis Baily is being honoured in his home town of Newbury.

“He was one of the founders of the Royal Astronomical Society – soon to celebrate its bicentenary – and its longest-serving president.

“He was both a very astute man of business and a celebrated scientist, winning the Society’s Gold Medal twice.”

Baily’s father was Richard Baily, a Newbury banker and the mayor of Newbury, whose home was on the site of what is now 62 Northbrook Street, where the plaque will be unveiled.

The mayor of Thatcham, Sheila Ellison, will also attend the ceremony. Francis Baily is buried in the family vault in Thatcham’s St Mary’s Church.

Anthony Pick, deputy leader of Newbury Town Council and chairman of its Heritage Working Group, said: “The town council is very grateful to Scope, which has kindly agreed to the erection of the plaque on their premises, the Newbury Society, which has generously contributed £100 towards the cost, and the Royal Astronomical Society for its support.”