Royal Observatory

Why go

What the observatory's Web site doesn't mention is that the ball contains several dents put there during renovations; the builders assumed the historic ball was to be discarded and started playing football with it. 1767 Astronomer Royal Nevil Maskelyne began publication of the Nautical Almanac, based on observations made at the Observatory.

What to look for

• 1957 Royal Observatory completed its move to Herstmonceux, becoming the Royal Greenwich Observatory (RGO).
• The Astronomer Royal was, until the Board was dissolved in 1828, always an ex officio Commissioner of Longitude.
• 1899 The New Physical Observatory (now known as the South Building) was completed.

The full story

The observatory was commissioned in 1675 by King Charles II, with the foundation stone being laid on 10 August. The site was chosen by Sir Christopher Wren. At that time the king also created the position of Astronomer Royal, to serve as the director of the observatory and to "apply himself with the most exact care and diligence to the rectifying of the tables of the motions of the heavens, and the places of the fixed stars, so as to find out the so much desired longitude of places for the perfecting of the art of navigation." He appointed John Flamsteed as the first Astronomer Royal. The building was completed in the summer of 1676. The building was often called "Flamsteed House", in reference to its first occupant.

Your next visit

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