Astronomer and journal editor, born at Rugby. In 1865 Lockyer and his family moved to a house (no longer extant) near Swiss Cottage. Here, using a special spectroscope to examine the sun, he discovered and named the element helium. He created the scientific journal 'Nature' in 1869 and edited it for 50 years. Created C.B.in 1894 and knighted in 1897. Died at his home by the Hill Observatory in Salcombe Regis, Devon.
2024: located the site where Lockyer discovered helium.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
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