William Gooch (astronomer) facts for kids

William Gooch (born April 3, 1770 – died May 12, 1792) was a talented English astronomer. He was known for his work on the Vancouver Expedition, where he helped map new lands. His life ended too soon during this important journey.

William Gooch: A Young Astronomer's Story

Early Life and Schooling

William Gooch was born on April 3, 1770, in a village called Brockdish in Norfolk, England. His parents, William and Sarah Gooch, had him baptized a month later.

Young William went to school in nearby Harleston, Norfolk, and later at Stradbroke School in Suffolk. Sadly, his sister Sarah passed away at age 10. Because of this, his parents were very protective of William. They made sure he was always with them when he played with other children.

William's father worked as a barber for important people in Brockdish. He also helped out as the village constable for a short time. Through his father's work, William met Thomas Maynard, a wealthy landowner. Mr. Maynard helped William get the chance to study at a famous university, Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge.

Studying at Cambridge University

William Gooch started at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, when he was 16 years old in 1786. He was a "sizar," which meant he received financial help to attend. He was a very bright student. In 1791, he earned his degree and was named the "Second Wrangler." This was a special title for one of the top math students at Cambridge. He also won the Smith's Prize, another important award.

While at Cambridge, William became good friends with a young woman named Sally Smithson. She was the daughter of a cook at another college. They kept writing letters to each other even after William left for his big adventure. He even had a sweet nickname for her: "little goody two-shoes."

From Student to Explorer

Many people thought William would become a priest after finishing his studies. However, there was a need for an astronomer to join a big journey called the Vancouver Expedition. This expedition aimed to explore and map new lands.

William's friends from Cambridge, Samuel Vince and John Brinkley, suggested him for the job. They told Nevil Maskelyne, the King's Astronomer, about William's skills. Maskelyne was part of the Board of Longitude, a group that helped with navigation and mapping.

After his friends spoke up for him, William traveled to London in April 1791. Maskelyne began training him for the expedition. William also got advice from William Wales, who had been an astronomer on Captain James Cook's famous voyages. By July 1791, William Gooch was ready. He boarded a ship called the Daedalus in Deptford.

William was paid a good salary of £400 a year for his work. He was also given all the special tools he needed for navigation and astronomy. He sailed on the Daedalus in August 1791. His goal was to meet Captain George Vancouver and his crew at Nootka Sound.

A Tragic End and Lasting Legacy

In his last letter to his parents, written on May 2, 1792, William talked about his work and hoped to see them again in 1794. Just a few days later, on May 11, 1792, William joined Lieutenant Richard Hergest and a small group. They went ashore at Waimea Bay on Oahu, one of the Hawaiian islands. They wanted to trade with the local people and get fresh water.

On May 12, the group was attacked by Hawaiian warriors. Lieutenant Hergest, William Gooch, and a sailor were separated from the others and sadly killed.

William Gooch's story lives on through his letters and journal. Many of his letters were written to his parents. These writings are kept safe in the Cambridge University Library. They are part of the Board of Longitude's historical records.

A book called The Death of William Gooch: A History's Anthropology was written in 1995 by Greg Dening. It tells William's story and shows the dangers people faced when different cultures met during the age of exploration.