GIANTS of science
Hertfordshire Life|January 2020
A new exhibition at St Albans Museum + Gallery celebrates globally important scientists who have lived, worked and studied in the city. Curator Sarah Keeling shares three of the remarkable stories
GIANTS of science

The history of science has always been a passion of mine and researching the many and varied scientists who have lives in St Albans and the surrounding district has introduced me to many fascinating people and companies. Our exhibition, Science in St Albans at St Albans Museum + Gallery tells, among others, the story of a medieval abbot, a renaissance thinker, a pioneering Victorian female scientist and companies working at the cutting edge of science and technology.

I’ve chosen three of those scientists to write about here. Francis Bacon is a renowned figure but his scientific works are less well known than his political thinking and role at court. Eleanor Ormerod is a name who will be known to anyone who has sat in traffic on Holywell Hill but her achievements may be less familiar. Finally, although he may be less well known than St Albans School’s most famous alumni, Professor Stephen Hawking (who also features in the exhibition), Sir Thomas Spencer Wells is one of the school’s many former students who went on to make fascinating scientific discoveries.

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Hertfordshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Hertfordshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HERTFORDSHIRE LIFEView All
Hertfordshire Life

Explosive history

With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Hertfordshire Life

A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer

Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Hertfordshire Life

Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES

Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
The greatest traveller
Hertfordshire Life

The greatest traveller

Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

Return of the Queen of Romance

Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
In bed with CELEBS
Hertfordshire Life

In bed with CELEBS

Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Roam with a view
Hertfordshire Life

Roam with a view

We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
Hertfordshire Life

Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle

The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

A walk down Surreal Street

Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
5 minutes with
Hertfordshire Life

5 minutes with

Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020