More information : [TQ 38847733] Royal Observatory [RP] (1)
Built on the site of the tower of GREENWICH CASTLE. First
stone was laid in August 1675. (2)
R. Observatory: Octagon room, 1675-6 (Attributed to Wren) (3)
This building now forms part of the National Maritime Museum and to distinguish it from the Royal Greenwich Observatory which has removed to Herstmonceux, Sussex, it is now called the Old Royal Observatory. (4)
[TQ 389773] Old Royal Observatory [NAT] (5)
The Royal Observatory was constructed on the site of Greenwich Castle (NAR. no TQ 37 NE 5) which was demolished to make way for construction. The original building, Flamsteed House (NAR no. TQ 37 NE 73) was constructed in 1675-6 by Christopher Wren, with later additions in 1772-3. The rest of the complex was constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries (NAR no. TQ 37 NE 73, 76-78) (6-7)
The Royal Observatory was moved to Hurstmonceux in 1948. The buildings became an annexe of the National Maritime Museum. In 1965 attempts were made to locate Flamsteed's Well, a shaft 100ft deep used for observation on the stars. It is shown on a 1676 engraving as partly brick-lined with a timber, spiral staircase. Excavations located a circular shalf 7-8 ft in diameter with the remains of a small building hexagonal in plan, capping the well. Most of the pottery dated from the 18th century. (8) |