The Royal Observatory
About the place
- Country : The United Kingdom , London
- Address : Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ, UK
- Category : Urban Facilities
- Establishing Date : 1675
- founder : King Charles II
The Royal Observatory
Overview
Located in Greenwich in the southwest London, the Observatory is situated in a tower on a hill in Greenwich Park, overlooking the River Thames. It was originally known as the Royal Greenwich Observatory (RGO). The Royal Greenwich Observatory was commissioned by King Charles II in 1675 and a royal committee was formed to observe the celestial bodies and organize sea navigation.
History
The observatory played a key role in the history of astronomy and navigation. Jonas Moore, in his capacity as Surveyor-General of Ordinance, came up with the idea of the observatory and persuaded King Charles II with the location. The needed material and equipment for building the observatory were fully provided and paid for by Moore himself. The original design was made by Sir Christopher Wren. It’s said that he was helped by Robert Hook. The Observatory was the first building dedicated for scientific research in Britain.
A tour in the observatory
One can see the rooms in the 17th century in the observatory. Additionally, the Octagon Room houses two clocks built by Thomas Tompion and other navigation instruments that made Britain a pioneer in the fields of exploration and international trade.
The observatory houses three museums that offer free-entry for visitors.
How to get there
You can take bus No 53 from Oxford 6 and then going down at the Greenwich Park Gate and waling for 15 minutes in the park until finally reaching the observatory.
Resources
Tripadvisor
Batuta
