John Flamsteed, the first Astronomer Royal, was born in Denby, Derbyshire, on 19 August 1646.

Flamsteed developed an interest in astronomy while young and, by the early 1670s, corresponded with established scientific figures about his observations. His work became known at a time when the government wanted better astronomical information to improve navigation at sea.

On 4 March 1675, Charles II appointed Flamsteed as his ‘astronomical observator’. The position later became known as Astronomer Royal, making Flamsteed its first holder. His instructions included improving tables of celestial movements and recording star positions as part of efforts to determine longitude.

The king also ordered the construction of an observatory in Greenwich Park. Flamsteed laid its foundation stone in August 1675 and moved into the completed building the following year.

From Greenwich, he spent more than forty years making and recording astronomical observations. Much of the work involved establishing stellar positions with greater accuracy and producing material for a large catalogue and star atlas.

Flamsteed died at Greenwich on 31 December 1719. His completed Historia Coelestis Britannica, containing his astronomical observations and star catalogue, was published after his death.