The George III Observatory in Richmond is gearing up for its first ever public opening.
For the first time in 250 years, members of the public can tour the Grade 1 listed building.
The observatory was constructed for George III to view the passage of Venus across the sun.
Robbie Brothers owns the building and is happy to open it to the public.
“One has to share with what one has with everyone, with the local people.
“You can’t just block off and live in an isolated bubble on one’s own. So I’m delighted to share it with people.”
City News spoke to astrophysicist Dr. Alfredo Carpineti.
“I think it’s a piece of scientific history.”
“I think it should at least be regularly open once a year for everyone to see and visit,” continued Carpineti.
More than just stars in your eyes However, the observatory has a longer history than George III.
It stands on the ruins of a monastery, dissolved by Henry VIII.
Sir William Chambers was the architect. He also designed Somerset House.
Before Greenwich observatory standardised time, the building used to house a clock that provided standard time to government buildings in London.
The Met Office also used it as a space during World War Two.
Submitted Article
Headline Short Headline Standfirst
Published Article
Headline George III’s observatory opens to the publicShort Headline George III's observatory opens to the public Standfirst King used the observatory to watch Venus' passage of the sun in 1769
The George III Observatory in Richmond is gearing up for its first ever public opening.
For the first time in 250 years, members of the public can tour the Grade 1 listed building.
The observatory was constructed for George III to view the passage of Venus across the sun.
Robbie Brothers owns the building and is happy to open it to the public.
“One has to share with what one has with everyone, with the local people.
“You can’t just block off and live in an isolated bubble on one’s own. So I’m delighted to share it with people.”
City News spoke to astrophysicist Dr. Alfredo Carpineti.
“I think it’s a piece of scientific history.”
“I think it should at least be regularly open once a year for everyone to see and visit,” continued Carpineti.
More than just stars in your eyes However, the observatory has a longer history than George III.
It stands on the ruins of a monastery, dissolved by Henry VIII.
Sir William Chambers was the architect. He also designed Somerset House.
Before Greenwich observatory standardised time, the building used to house a clock that provided standard time to government buildings in London.
The Met Office also used it as a space during World War Two.
