Hakin observatory
Introduction
The photograph on this page of Hakin observatory by Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff as part of the Geograph project.
The Geograph project started in 2005 with the aim of publishing, organising and preserving representative images for every square kilometre of Great Britain, Ireland and the Isle of Man.
There are currently over 7.5m images from over 14,400 individuals and you can help contribute to the project by visiting https://www.geograph.org.uk
Hakin observatory
Image: © Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff Taken: 17 Mar 2007
This surprising structure can be found nestled cheek by jowl with the modern housing and back-yard clutter that has accumulated around it since it was built by Charles Francis Greville (1749-1809) in the early years of the C19 as part of a planned mathematics, engineering and technical college. Thomas Firminger (1775-1861), previously Assistant to Nevil Maskelyne at Greenwich, was appointed briefly as superintendent. An excellent collection of instruments was assembled, including the celebrated Lee transit circle. The plans were abandoned after Greville's death due to a lack of money and interest and although the observatory was completed, the college itself never came into being.
Images are licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0
Image Location
Latitude
51.712136
Longitude
-5.052158