Mary Edwards (human computer) facts for kids

Mary Edwards (born around 1750, died in September 1815) was a very special kind of "human computer." She worked for the British Nautical Almanac. This was a big deal because she was one of the very few women at that time who earned money directly from scientific work.

She was one of about 35 human computers. Their job was to calculate where the sun, moon, and planets would be. They did this for different times of day. These calculations were printed in annual books called nautical almanacs. Sailors used these books to find their way at sea.

A Human Computer's Job

Mary learned about this important work from her husband, John Edwards. He was a clergyman who took on computing work to earn extra money. He worked on the almanac from 1773 until he died in 1784.

After her husband passed away, Mary wrote to Nevil Maskelyne. He was the fifth Astronomer Royal. Mary asked if she could continue the work to support herself and her daughters. It was then revealed that Mary had done most of the calculations all along.

Mary officially took over her husband's computing work. It became her full-time job and her only way to earn money. Maskelyne might have known she was doing the work. He had visited the family many times.

When Maskelyne died in 1811, a new Astronomer Royal named John Pond took over. He did not give Mary enough work. The Board of Longitude eventually decided that Pond must continue to give her work. Over time, Mary became known for being reliable and accurate. This meant she could take on even more work. She continued her important calculations until she died in 1815.

Her Family's Work

Mary's daughter, Eliza Edwards (1779-1846), also became a computer. She started helping her mother from a young age. After Mary died in 1815, Eliza continued the work on her own.

Eliza kept working for the Nautical Almanac until 1832. At that time, all the computing work moved to London. The new HM Nautical Almanac Office did not hire women. This was because of new Civil Service rules. These rules made it very hard for women to be employed.

How She Is Remembered

A small space rock, called a minor planet, was named in her honor. It is called 12627 Maryedwards.

In 2016, a group called Ludlow Civic Society decided to honor her. They placed a Blue Plaque on her old home. It is located at 4 Brand Lane in Ludlow, Shropshire. This plaque recognizes her as the first female "computer."

Images for kids

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  A robot, symbolizing a computer.