Calculating the Stars: The Extraordinary Life of Mary Edwards, Ludlow’s Pioneering Computer

In 18th-century Ludlow, a widow’s mathematical genius quietly revolutionised maritime navigation, saving countless lives at sea. Discover the extraordinary story of Mary Edwards, Shropshire’s unsung hero of the stars.

In the quiet streets of Georgian Ludlow, a remarkable woman was quietly revolutionising maritime navigation from her modest home. Mary Edwards, born around 1750, would become an unsung hero of British seafaring, her nimble mind and steady hand guiding countless sailors safely across treacherous waters. Her story is one of perseverance, intellect, and the quiet defiance of societal norms.

The Unlikely Computer

Mary Edwards’ journey into the world of astronomical calculations began not through formal education, but through an unconventional path. In 1773, her husband, the Reverend John Edwards, took on work as a ‘computer’ for the British Nautical Almanac to supplement their income. This prestigious publication, overseen by the Astronomer Royal Nevil Maskelyne, was crucial for maritime navigation, providing detailed calculations of the positions of celestial bodies.

Unbeknownst to the scientific establishment, it was Mary who performed most of these intricate calculations from the very beginning. Her natural aptitude for mathematics, honed through years of assisting her husband, would soon become her lifeline.

A Widow’s Plea

Tragedy struck in 1784 when John Edwards died, leaving Mary widowed with two young daughters to support. In a bold move that defied the conventions of her time, Mary wrote directly to Nevil Maskelyne, requesting to continue her late husband’s work under her own name. To the credit of Maskelyne and the Board of Longitude, they agreed, making Mary Edwards one of the very few women in 18th-century England to be directly employed in scientific work.

The Nautical Almanac: A Maritime Lifeline

Mary’s work for the Nautical Almanac was far from trivial. She was one of just 35 human computers tasked with calculating the positions of the sun, moon, and planets at different times of day. These calculations were vital for sailors using the lunar distance method to determine their longitude at sea, a crucial advancement in maritime safety.

The complexity of these calculations cannot be overstated. Before the advent of the Nautical Almanac, determining a ship’s position could take up to four hours of intense mathematical work. The pre-computed tables that Mary helped produce dramatically reduced this time, allowing for more frequent and accurate position fixes.

A Reputation for Excellence

Over time, Mary’s reputation for reliability and accuracy grew. She was regularly entrusted with computing a full year’s worth of tables, effectively producing half of the almanac’s content single-handedly. This was a reflection not only of her mathematical prowess but also of her incredible work ethic and attention to detail.

In 1809, Mary’s expertise was further recognised when she was promoted to the prestigious position of Nautical Almanac comparer. This role, which came with a substantial pay increase to £250 per almanac, involved checking and correcting the work of other computers. To put this in perspective, Mary’s annual earnings now exceeded those of a newly posted captain in the Royal Navy.

Challenges and Perseverance

Despite her invaluable contributions, Mary’s path was not without obstacles. When Nevil Maskelyne died in 1811, his successor, John Pond, attempted to reduce Mary’s workload and, consequently, her pay. Mary, however, was not one to accept such treatment quietly. She petitioned both the Board of Longitude and Parliament, arguing for the value of her work.

Her persistence paid off. The Board acknowledged her years of faithful service and granted her a compromise: she would compute 8 months of the Nautical Almanac while being paid for almost 12 months’ work. While she wasn’t reinstated to her former position as comparer, this decision ensured Mary could continue supporting her family through her scientific work.

A Legacy of Learning

Mary Edwards’ influence extended beyond her own remarkable career. She encouraged her daughters to follow in her footsteps, with her daughter Eliza joining the work for the Nautical Almanac in 1809. After Mary’s death in 1815, Eliza continued her mother’s legacy, computing for the Almanac until 1832.

Tragically, Eliza’s career was cut short not by lack of skill, but by institutional changes. When the computing work was centralised in London as part of the civil service, women were effectively barred from employment. This abrupt end to the Edwards women’s contributions highlights the precarious nature of women’s roles in early scientific fields.

The Wider Impact

Mary Edwards’ work, while largely unrecognised in her own time, had a profound impact on maritime safety and the advancement of women in science. Her calculations, incorporated into the Nautical Almanac, guided countless ships safely across the world’s oceans during a period of rapid maritime expansion.

Furthermore, Mary’s success opened doors, however slightly, for other women to enter scientific fields. Her daughter Eliza’s career, while ultimately cut short by institutional sexism, demonstrated that women could indeed excel in these roles when given the opportunity.

Recognition at Last

It wasn’t until the late 20th and early 21st centuries that Mary Edwards’ contributions began to receive the recognition they deserved. In 2016, the Ludlow Civic Society honoured her with a blue plaque on her former home at 4 Brand Lane, acknowledging her as the first female ‘computer’.

Perhaps the most fitting tribute came from the astronomical community itself. The minor planet 12627 Maryedwards was named in her honour, ensuring that her name will forever be associated with the celestial bodies she spent her life studying.

A Shropshire Pioneer

For us in Shropshire, Mary Edwards represents a point of immense pride. In an era when women’s contributions to science were often overlooked or deliberately obscured, this daughter of Ludlow rose to become an indispensable part of one of the most important scientific publications of her time.

Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the hidden figures in our local history. How many other Mary Edwardses might there be, their stories waiting to be uncovered and celebrated? It challenges us to look beyond the traditional narratives and recognise the diverse contributions that have shaped our county and our nation.

The Enduring Legacy

Mary Edwards’ legacy extends far beyond the pages of the Nautical Almanac or the blue plaque in Ludlow. She represents the countless women throughout history who have contributed to scientific advancement, often without recognition or reward. Her story inspires us to question our assumptions about who can excel in scientific fields and reminds us of the importance of providing opportunities for all.

As we sail into an increasingly technology-driven future, we would do well to remember Mary Edwards of Ludlow. Her meticulous calculations, performed with nothing more than pen, paper, and an extraordinary mind, laid the groundwork for the complex navigational systems we rely on today. From GPS to space exploration, the echoes of her work continue to resonate.

In celebrating Mary Edwards, we not only honour a remarkable individual but also acknowledge the power of perseverance, the importance of opportunity, and the invaluable contributions that can emerge from the most unexpected places. Her story serves as a beacon, illuminating the path for future generations of scientists, mathematicians, and pioneers — regardless of gender, background, or circumstance.

As Shropshire continues to nurture talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, we can look to Mary Edwards as a shining example of what’s possible when passion, skill, and determination align. Her legacy challenges us to support and celebrate the Mary Edwardses of today and tomorrow, ensuring that no brilliant mind is left uncultivated due to societal constraints or lack of opportunity.

In the end, Mary Edwards’ story is not just about astronomical calculations or maritime safety. It demonstrates the remarkable ability of the human spirit to surmount challenges, showcases the transformative power of knowledge, and exemplifies how a single individual — working tirelessly from a modest home in Ludlow — can profoundly influence the world. As we gaze up at the stars that Mary once calculated, we’re reminded that greatness can emerge from the most unexpected places, and that the quest for knowledge knows no boundaries.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8

Bob Lynn / 21-Sep-2024