Another of the interesting buildings in the Museum Gardens is this observatory, seen looking up from the slope which rises from the River Ouse.
The Museum Gardens website describes it as follows:
"York Observatory in the York Museum Gardens is the major part of York Museums Trust’s Astronomy Collection.
It was built in 1832 and 1833 and is the oldest working observatory in Yorkshire.
Its 4 inch refractor telescope was built by York man Thomas Cooke in 1850, who went on to make the then-largest telescope in the world. It was installed in 1981 when the observatory was restored.The Observatory also houses an 1811 clock which tells the time based on observations of the positions of stars. It was once the clock by which all others in York were set and is still always four minutes, 20 seconds, behind Greenwich Mean Time. In the mid 19th century it would cost sixpence to check a timepiece against the Observatory Clock."
There are normally regular open days to look around this wonderful building, although these have not yet restarted after Covid-19. Sadly it is far less effective as an observatory now due to the city centre location and surrounding light sources.
I can recommend playing the role of tourist, since there is so much to see in York. We tend to take full advantage of the Residents Weekend in January, particularly visiting places that have not taken part before. For example, a couple of years ago Kings Manor took part for just one year, with an excellent guided tour and a fascinating series of lectures on its history. York has so much to see and learn about!
@fishers I really have to, Ian, I'm running out of years!!! The cat walk would be a good start, wouldn't it?
Don't forget the Norman Wall on Stonegate.
I think I have photos of the Norman wall from a few years ago, but I don't think they made it onto our photo project. There is just so much to record. Sadly it was very busy in town today and people seem to have forgotten about Covid-19 and social distancing, so I'm a bit reluctant to go into the city centre in the near future.
@fishers I hadn’t heard about but I’ll be sure to watch it tomorrow. It’s so very important in our history and hopefully the Parish Council will be able to buy the land. So far they are short of their target.
Like you, I’m reluctant to go to town and have no intention of venturing in. I’ve got a big birthday in September and if the situation hasn’t improved, I’ll have to get my favourite shop to post me my present from me for me.
I've been into town several times (hence the recent photos), and it has been fairly quiet. My wife had an opticians apointment today and I went in with her and had a walk and taking photos while she had her eye examination. I was quite shocked at the numbers and poor behaviour of people, so I will take great care to go in at a quieter time if I need to go in at all.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and fav, they are very much appreciated.
It's a bit of a challenge to get a clear shot of this building, since much of it is surrounded by shrubs and bushes.
Ian
I can recommend playing the role of tourist, since there is so much to see in York. We tend to take full advantage of the Residents Weekend in January, particularly visiting places that have not taken part before. For example, a couple of years ago Kings Manor took part for just one year, with an excellent guided tour and a fascinating series of lectures on its history. York has so much to see and learn about!
Ian
Don't forget the Norman Wall on Stonegate.
I think I have photos of the Norman wall from a few years ago, but I don't think they made it onto our photo project. There is just so much to record. Sadly it was very busy in town today and people seem to have forgotten about Covid-19 and social distancing, so I'm a bit reluctant to go into the city centre in the near future.
Have you heard about the film that has been made about the Battle of Fulford? York Press have a report on it today - https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/18575366.film-made-1066-battle-fulford/
Ian
Like you, I’m reluctant to go to town and have no intention of venturing in. I’ve got a big birthday in September and if the situation hasn’t improved, I’ll have to get my favourite shop to post me my present from me for me.
I've been into town several times (hence the recent photos), and it has been fairly quiet. My wife had an opticians apointment today and I went in with her and had a walk and taking photos while she had her eye examination. I was quite shocked at the numbers and poor behaviour of people, so I will take great care to go in at a quieter time if I need to go in at all.
Ian
thanks for being my tour guide
Thank you Nina - I'm glad you are enjoying the tour!
Ian