Skip to main content

Sydney Observatory

 Organization

Found in 31 Collections and/or Records:

  • 1
  • 2
 File

Correspondence on instruments, 1905 - 1937

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 8/95
Scope and Contents Correspondence with instrument manufacturers, other observatories, astronomers, inventors, etc., regarding instruments not held at the Royal Observatory, including letters asking for advice and requests to borrow or buy equipment. The papers include the following material:Miscellaneous correspondence, 1905-1937, including letters regarding plates needed for the trigonometrical surveys of India, 1909-1910; a new Evershed solar spectroscope, 1905-1906; and the renewal of an observatory...
Dates: 1905 - 1937
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 File

Correspondence on observatories, 1894 - 1937

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 8/93
Scope and Contents (1) Correspondence regarding Commonwealth and colonial observatories, 1911-1935, including the following material:Correspondence regarding equipment for the Mount Faber Observatory, Singapore, 1928-1930, including a transit instrument and micrometer.Correspondence concerning the closure of the Apia Observatory, Samoa, by the New Zealand Government, 1919-1935.Correspondence on the supply and testing of a 4-inch transit instrument and clock for the Colombo Observatory,...
Dates: 1894 - 1937
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 File

Correspondence on observatories, 1924 - 1948

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 8/22
Scope and Contents (1) Miscellaneous foreign observatoriesLetter from R. Atkinson to Colonel Gerado Dianderas, Peru, regarding equipment for the proposed Arequipa Observatory, 1946.Correspondence with the Hong Kong Royal Observatory regarding time signals, 1946.Letter from S. Jarocinski, Warsaw, to Sir Howard Grubb, Parsons and Co. Ltd, regarding the Babia Góra Observatory, 1937.(2) Miscellaneous British observatoriesLetters from E.M. Lindsay, Armagh Observatory, to Sir...
Dates: 1924 - 1948
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 File

Correspondence on photographic star charts, 1887 - 1892

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 7/216
Scope and Contents Correspondence regarding the selection of guiding stars for the astrographic charts, 1891-1892.Correspondence with astronomers regarding photographic charts, 1887, including Sir George Airy's enquiry if visitors are to receive papers on star charts; A.A. Common on Isaac Roberts's photographs and the grant for photographic work; Herr Gotbard sending specimen stellar photographs; William Huggins and E. Knobel on the grant for the reduction of photographs; Isaac Roberts on stellar...
Dates: 1887 - 1892
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from Benjamin Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1789-05-30

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 294
Scope and Contents

Concerning whether his son Lieutenant William Dawes should return to England with the marine corps or remain at Sydney to continue his work at the observatory.

Dates: 1789-05-30
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from Benjamin Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1789-06-09

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 295-296
Scope and Contents

Concerning his son's circumstances in New South Wales and the possibility of a salary for his work as Engineer and Officer of Artillery.

Dates: 1789-06-09
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from Benjamin Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1789-07-20

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 297
Scope and Contents

Concerning a petition to compensate his son William Dawes for the work he had done as Engineer and Officer of Artillery in New South Wales, and a petition for leave of absence for him.

Dates: 1789-07-20
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from Benjamin Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1789-08-01

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 298-299
Scope and Contents

Concerning his petitions on behalf of his son, William Dawes, in New South Wales.

Dates: 1789-08-01
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from Benjamin Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1791-02-01

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 305-306
Scope and Contents

Thanking him for his assistance regarding his son, William Dawes and assuring him that the books and instruments would be brought back from Sydney on HMS Gorgon, which had just departed from Spithead with supplies. Dawes also discusses the shortage of food and clothing at the settlement, and recounts William's list of rations at the settlement, noting how they were cut after the loss of the Sirius.

Dates: 1791-02-01
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-04-30 - 1788-05-05

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 281-282
Scope and Contents

Written from the new settlement at New South Wales. Dawes reports on his work there, mentioning the lack of resources and the clearing of land for an observatory. He includes a rough sketch of the observatory.

Dates: 1788-04-30 - 1788-05-05
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-07-10

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 283-284
Scope and Contents

Reporting on his activities between leaving the Cape of Good Hope and his arrival at Sydney. The letter also includes an account of constructing the observatory in Sydney, and of the practical difficulties involved, particularly in finding suitable materials and craftsmen. He mentions, for example, that the forty marines employed in the work had to be provided with rum, water and new shoes (due to the damage from brushwood). Dawes also seeks further money and provisions.

Dates: 1788-07-10
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-07-12

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 285-286
Scope and Contents

Reporting on the status of the observatory (which was nearly complete), on expenses incurred, and on his role there.

Dates: 1788-07-12
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-10-01

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 287-288
Scope and Contents Reporting on his activities at the observatory in Sydney, mentioning that much of his time had been employed 'in matters quite foreign to astronomy', and that while he had estimated the track of the comet, he had yet to see it. Dawes also reports that he intended to stay in New South Wales for a further three years, on the basis that he could not leave until a suitable person was sent out to take over: 'I think it would be a great pity to lose an established observatory in this Hemisphere'...
Dates: 1788-10-01
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-11-17

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 289-289a
Scope and Contents

Informing Maskelyne that he had a sent a letter via the Fishburn under Captain [Robert] Brown.

Dates: 1788-11-17
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-11-17

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 290-293
Scope and Contents

Reporting on his work at the observatory in Sydney. Dawes reports that he had seen nothing of the comet and complains that his duties as Engineer and Officer of Artillery were preventing him from attending to the observatory, which had soured his relationship with the Governor. He asks that a suitable person be sent out to take over the Observatory before his six years there had expired. He also reports the naming of Maskelyne Point.

Dates: 1788-11-17
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1790-04-16

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 300-301
Scope and Contents

Reporting on his work at the observatory in Sydney. He refers to the loss of HMS Sirius and states that the timekeeper [K1] was moved to HMS Supply undamaged. The letter also includes a description of his observatory.

Dates: 1790-04-16
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1790-07-26

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 302-304a
Scope and Contents

Reporting on his work at the observatory at Sydney, and describing the main hindrances to his work (including the lack of 'men of business' in the country, the 'unfortunate want of abilities' of the surveyor of lands, and his problems with the Governor). The letter also includes a description of the local topography of Sydney and his opinion of the country - 'a more dreary, dismal, barren, inanimated [sic] country I believe does not exist anywhere in the whole world'.

Dates: 1790-07-26
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1792-06-18

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 307-308
Scope and Contents

Written on board HMS Gorgon on Dawes' return passage to England and concerning the safe return of instruments from the observatory at Sydney.

Dates: 1792-06-18
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1787-01-21

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 247-248
Scope and Contents

Concerning a letter from Lord Howe about his appointment to Botany Bay, and his objections to being placed in the marine detachment of HMS Sirius rather than in the land service.

Dates: 1787-01-21
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1787-01-25

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 249-250
Scope and Contents

Concerning a fault in the sextant and requesting a replacement instrument; also concerning his desire to be placed in the land detachment.

Dates: 1787-01-25
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1787-02-08

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 251-252
Scope and Contents

Concerning repairs to a sextant by Mr Ramsden and supplies for the observatory.

Dates: 1787-02-08
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1787-02-18

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 253-254
Scope and Contents

Concerning a replacement sextant and black index glass from Ramsden.

Dates: 1787-02-18
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1786-12-28

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 239-240
Scope and Contents

Concerning the rate of the Board of Longitude's watch and the provision of books and instruments.

Dates: 1786-12-28
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1787-01-16

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 241-244
Scope and Contents

Concerning the rate of the Board of Longitude's watch; the provision of books; the testing of instruments intended for the observatory; the discovery of damage to a sextant; and his request for an advance of a year's subsistence.

Dates: 1787-01-16
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Item

Letter from William Dawes to Nevil Maskelyne, 1787-01-10 - 1787-01-19

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48: 245-246
Scope and Contents

Requesting the advance of a year's subsistence and his request to be appointed to the land service at Botany Bay; also enclosing a copy of a letter from Lord Howe about his appointment.

Dates: 1787-01-10 - 1787-01-19
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
  • 1
  • 2

Additional filters:

Subject
London 24
Sydney 23
Portsmouth 15
Australia 4
Botany Bay 4