|
The Webb Project
Peter Hingley (RAS)
The Revd Thomas William Webb (1807 - 1885) was probably the most
famous and influential writer for amateur astronomers of the mid
nineteenth century. Born in Tretire, Herefordshire, he followed his
father into the Church of England ministry. Rather than climb the
staircase of preferment he was content faithfully to serve his flock
in the remote parish of Hardwick, Herefordshire, amid the glorious
countryside of the Welsh border, where he was Vicar from 1852 to his
death in 1885. His book 'Celestial Objects for Common Telescopes'
went through various editions and has been almost continuously in
print ever since. Webb is regarded as an inspirational figure by
amateur astronomers and this is reflected in the name of the Webb
Society, an international body dedicated to deep sky observing. The
former vicarage at Hardwick is operated as a guest house by Mark and
Janet Robinson, and a proposed book is being edited jointly by them
and by P.D. Hingley, Librarian of the RAS. A strong international
panel of authors has been approached and has agreed to contribute
sections on various aspects of Webb's astronomy and life, and his
work on natural history, seismology, churchmanship, etc.
|