Margaret Flamsteed
Margaret Flamsteed (née Cooke) (c. 1670-1730) is the first woman on record to be associated with astronomy in Britain.
Margaret appeared as a character in a play by Kevin Hood called The Astronomer's Garden.[4]
Early life
Daughter of a London lawyer she was a well-educated woman, both literate and numerate.
Life with the Astronomer Royal
Margaret Flamsteed was 22 years old when she married the 46 year-old John Flamsteed; they were married 27 years.
Notebooks in her handwriting and from soon after the marriage, show a competency in, and willingness to learn, mathematics and astronomy. In one entry from John Flamsteed's notes it states the observation was done “solus cum sponsa” (alone with wife). This, and other clues, suggest that while Margaret was not a regular assistant, she was clearly able and willing to assist her husband in his nighttime observations. She also spent daylight hours copying or writing letters for her husband, especially later when his hand became shaky.
Margaret Flamsteed also acted as housekeeper for John, ensuring that his assistants, pupils, and visitors were cared for.
After John Flamsteed's death
After John Flamsteed’s death in 1719, Margaret oversaw the publication of both the
Margaret Flamsteed died aged 60, only one year after publication of the Atlas Coelestis.