Flamsteed was born in Derbyshire in England in 1646. He was educated at Jesus College. At first he was interested in history. During his college years, Flamsteed gave his father some help in his business, and from his father, he learnt arthmetic and the use of fractions. He also developed a great interest in mathematics and astronomy. In August 1665, at his age of nineteen, Flamsteed wrote his first paper on astronomy, entitled Mathematical Essays. He kept writing papers about astronomy and started his career as an astronomer.
On 4 March 1675 he was appointed by royal warrant "The King's Astronomical Observator" — the first British Astronomer Royal. In June 1675, another royal warrant provided for the founding of the Royal Greenwich Observatory, and Flamsteed laid the foundation. In July 1676, he moved into the Observatory where he lived until 1684. He held that office until his death. He is buried at Burstow today.
