At 1pm on Friday 19th September a blue plaque was unveiled to renowned 18th century astronomer John Goodricke (1764-1786). A warm sunny day in a beautiful location, it was a very enjoyable and special occasion. We were delighted with the turn out, and especially by the may attending from York’s deaf community.
The unveiling was a celebration of Goodricke’s game-changing achievements in the field of astronomy. Winning the Copley Medal for his observations of the variable star Algol, the highest scientific honour of the Royal Society of London, he was invited to become a Fellow at just 21. However that year, before he was able to receive Fellowship, he tragically passed away.
The new plaque replaces the original installed in 1952, which included outdated terminology, and as such the unveiling was also a celebration of the plaque’s rewording, which now features up-to-date and accurate reference to the deaf community.
Thank you to everyone who came along to watch and support, and to those who tuned in to the live stream. The full ceremony can be watched back on social media, featuring a fascinating insight into Goodricke’s life and legacy by Neil Moran from The Goodricke Deaf Appeal Fund.
You can go and view the plaque outside Treasurer’s House, where Goodricke lived for a period with his family, and where he recorded observations from his telescope.