In 1809, he went to Cambridge University, and in 1813 became a member of the Royal Society. He began studying law the following year, but quickly gave this up to assist his father with his research. In 1820 he was a founder member of the Royal Astronomical Society, and went on to be its President three times.

In 1831 Herschel was knighted, and on his return to England in 1838 he was made a baronet. He was considered to be one of the finest scientists of his age. He published several books on science, including 'Outlines of Astronomy', which at the time was considered to be the definitive work on astronomy in the English language.

In 1850, Herschel became Master of the Royal Mint, a position which he held until 1855, and in that time he oversaw a major reform of the Mint.

John Herschel died in 1871, and was buried in Westminster Abbey, next to Sir Isaac Newton.