Son of Sir William Herschel F. R. S. 1781, the astronomer. Educated at St. John's College, Cambridge and graduated B. A. 1813 as Senior Wrangler and 1st Smith's prizeman and was elected F. R. S. 1813 at 21 yrs. of age. M. A. 1816. Copley Medallist 1821. He carried out astronomical observations at the observatory of Sir James South F. R. S. 1821 in Blackman St. Southwark. He travelled in Italy and Switzerland with Charles Babbage F. R. S. 1816. Secretary of Royal Society 1824. In 1831 he was created a Knight of the Royal Hanoverian Guelphic Order. In 1833 he went to South Africa and set up an observatory at Feldhausen and made many observations. Returned to England in 1838 and was created Baronet. Royal Medal R. S. 1840 Copley Medallist (2nd time) 1847. Master of the Mint 1850-1855.