Greenwich in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Royal Observatory
Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 28, 2018
1. The Royal Observatory Marker
Welcome to the Royal Observatory, the historic home of British astronomy, Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian of the world.
King Charles II signed a Royal Warrant in June 1675 to authorize building the Royal Observatory on the foundations of a tower in Greenwich Park. This site had been formerly used by Henry VIII as a guest house and hunting lodge. The Observatory was built with spare bricks from the Tilbury Fort and recycled lead, iron and timber from the Tower of London. Labour and other costs were covered by the sale of decayed gunpowder for recycling. Christopher Wren’s design was ready for the first Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed, to take up residence in June 1676. The tight budget of £500 (just over £41,500 today) overran by just £20.
“to find out the so much desired Longitude of Places for perfecting the art of Navigation — The Royal Charter for the Royal Observatory, 1675
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine.
Location. 51° 28.666′ N, 0° 0.108′ W. Marker is in Greenwich, England, in Greater London. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Blackheath Avenue and Great Cross Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Located at the Royal Observatory
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. William Herschel’s Telescope (a few steps from this marker); Bradley’s meridian line (a few steps from this marker); The Greenwich Meridian Telescope (within shouting distance of this marker); Airy’s meridian line (within shouting distance of this marker); Dedication Plaque of Flamsteed House (within shouting distance of this marker); Time for everyone (within shouting distance of this marker); Flamsteed’s Well Telescope (within shouting distance of this marker); Family Tombstone of Edmund Halley (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenwich.
Also see . . . Royal Observatory, Greenwich on Wikipedia. (Submitted on May 24, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 28, 2018
2. The Royal Observatory Marker
Behind the marker is the Museum and beyond is the Flamsteed House and the red time ball
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 137 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 24, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
