Sir George Biddell Airy was a prominent mathematician and astronomer. He was an honorary fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, fellow of the Royal Society and Astronomer Royal from 1835 until 1881. His many achievements include important work on planetary orbits, the calculation of the mean density of the earth and the establishment of the prime meridian at Greenwich. He was also consulted by the government on a wide range of issues and projects, serving on the weights and measures commission, the tidal harbours commission and the railway gauge commission as well as acting as an advisor for the repair of Big Ben and the laying of the Atlantic cable. His autobiography, edited by his son Wilfred, comprises ten chapters and is drawn from the astronomer's own records of the scientific work he carried out at Greenwich Observatory along with his printed reports and private and business correspondence.