George Wollaston facts for kids
George Wollaston (born in 1738, died in 1826) was an English priest. He was also a very smart person who became a member of the Royal Society in 1763. The Royal Society is a famous group of scientists and thinkers in England.
Early Life and Education
George Wollaston was the son of Francis Wollaston. He went to a school called Charterhouse School. After that, he studied at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, which is part of the famous University of Cambridge.
He was very good at math! In 1758, he finished his studies as the "second wrangler." This means he was the second-best math student in his entire year at Cambridge University.
Family Life
In 1765, George Wollaston married Elizabeth Palmer. She was from a place called Thurnscoe Hall. They had one daughter together, who was also named Elizabeth Palmer Wollaston.
His Work and Achievements
As a priest, George Wollaston served the church in England. Being a member of the Royal Society showed that he was respected for his knowledge and contributions, especially in science or other important fields of study during his time.
The image you see shows his notes from a special event called the Transit of Venus. This is when the planet Venus passes directly in front of the Sun. Scientists like Wollaston would carefully watch and record these events to learn more about space. He observed this event in 1769 at the King's Observatory in Richmond-upon-Thames.
