Mary Somerville (1780-1872)

Science writer and mathematics expositor

Mary Somerville started her education in the family library. In 1804 she married her cousin, Samuel Greig, son of Sir Samuel Greig, of the Russian Navy. They lived in London until his death in 1807. Mary's second husband, William Somerville, encouraged her studies in science and mathematics. In 1816 she returned to London where she established connections with leading intellectuals in Britain and on the continent. She published works on astronomy, physical geography and the connection of the physical sciences. Her contribution was recognised by the Royal Society, the Royal Irish Academy and the Royal Astronomical Society among others. In 1838 the family moved to Italy where she lived for the rest of her life. Mary Somerville died in Naples on 29 November 1872. Somerville College, Oxford, was named in her honour and she was chosen to feature on the Royal Bank of Scotland's first polymer ten pound note which was launched on 4 October 2017.

Birth in 1780

Mary Fairfax was baptised on 26 December 1780, the daughter of Captain Fairfax. The entry in the Old Parish Register for Burntisland is the last of three entries at the top of the page and doesn't give her mother's name.

Baptism entry for Mary Somerville nee Fairfax (33 KB jpeg)
National Records of Scotland, OPR 411/3

Marriage in 1804 and 1812

Miss Fairfax (her first name isn't given) married Samuel Greig Esquire of Russia on 28 June 1804. The entry in the Old Parish Register for Burntisland in Fife shows that she was from the parish and that they married 'after regular proclamation'.

Marriage entry for Mary Somerville in 1804 (16 KB jpeg)
National Records of Scotland, OPR 411/3, page 72

Mary Somerville's second marriage is recorded in the Old Parish Register for Edinburgh. Mrs Mary Fairfax, relict (widow) of __ Greig Esquire, parish of St Andrews married Dr William Somerville of the army on 16 May 1812. The entry doesn't give her first husband's forename.

Marriage entry for Mary Somerville in 1812 (18 KB jpeg)
National Records of Scotland, OPR 685-1/54, page 33