The profession of scientist is a relatively modern one. Until recently, scientific research tended to be carried out by enthusiastic amateurs and no where was this more so than in astronomy. These amateurs, be they royalty or refugee, are united across history by their singular obsession with sky watching and, as this topic will demonstrate, it is their efforts that have done so much to improve our understanding of our place in the universe. Working without any real hope of reward or recognition, these obsessive individuals have given us a more accurate calendar, improved our understanding of the nature of the universe and even discovered a new planet. Sky watching continues to be a popular pastime and will remain so for as long as humanity retains a sense of curiosity and wonder.