Greenwich: The Old Royal Observatory: The Altazimuth Pavilion

Image: © Nigel Cox Taken: 29 Sep 2018

The notice board on the right states:- "Completed in 1899 and named after the type of telescope originally in its dome, the pavilion currently holds a photoheliograph telescope, used for photographing the sun." It is a Grade II Listed Building and the Historic England website describes it thus:- "Altazimuth house incorporating garden shelter. Circa 1899. In grounds of New Physical Laboratory built between 1890 and 1899, in same style and probably by same hand, William Crisp in close collaboration with W H M Christie, Astronomer Royal. Built of red brick in Flemish bond with terracotta decoration and roof covered in C20 synthetic roof covering. Comprises one storey polygonal structure, open to one side with elaborate porches at each side and central dome with elaborate cast iron finial with sun emblem and coved cornice with oculi to observe stars and planets. North west side has five sashes with horns and only the upper parts glazed. Porches have terracotta moulding of triglyphs and paterae, elaborate console brackets and oculus above a terracotta doorcase with engaged fluted and rusticated Tuscan columns and entablature with triglyphs and eared architrave with panel inscribed "ALTAZIMUTH". There are interior panels and double doors with eight panels, the top two panels glazed and three concrete steps. Elaborate octagonal cast iron lamps with star finial on either side of porches. South east side is a garden shelter with five open cambered arches, ribbed ceiling and wooden seats. Three steps to ground. Interior not seen. An altazimuth is a structure for measuring the altitude and azimuth of a celestial body."

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