Discovery of Uranus on Tuesday 13th March 1781, recorded in written notes by the German-born British astronomer William Herschel (1738-1822). The previous day, he noted observations of Mars and Saturn. The following night he looked at the region around the star Pollux (Beta Geminorum), and noticed a curious either nebulous star or perhaps a comet. Herschel, working in Bath at the time, reported this object to others, and further observations determined it was a new planet. This made Herschel famous. He received the Copley Medal, was elected to the Royal Society, and was appointed Kings Astronomer by George III. For the full page of notes see C059/0411.