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Cambridge University Observatory

 Organization

Dates and places

The University Observatory was built at a site off Madingley Road in 1823 to house telescopes, including that donated by the Duke of Northumberland. The Solar Physics Observatory moved to the same site from South Kensington in 1913. Until 1947 they operated alongside but independently of each other. In that year they were combined as the 'Cambridge Observatories'. The Institute of Theoretical Astronomy was established in 1967 and housed on the site. The Observatories were amalgamated with it to form the Institute of Astronomy in 1972.

Geographical areas

Madingley Road, Cambridge

Legal status / Nationality

Constituent part of the University of Cambridge

Sphere of activity

Astronomical observations, teaching and research

Admin / Family structure

Plumian Professor ex officio Observatory Director

Other information

Much useful background information by F.J.M. Stratton 'The history of the Cambridge Observatories' in 'Annals of the Solar Physics Observatory, Cambridge' vol.1, 1949

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

 Fonds

Archives of the University Observatory, its sister body the Solar Physics Observatory, and their successors, the combined Observatories and Institute of Theoretical Astronomy, 1818 - 1999

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0265/UA/Obsy
Scope and Contents

The archives comprise the records of internal governance, finance, building and equipment development and astronomical observation, together with several small assortments of personal papers of individuals associated with the University Observatory, its sister and successor bodies, such as G.B. Airy, H.F. Newall and R.O. Redman.

Dates: 1818 - 1999
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: The University Archives are generally freely available to the holder of a reader's ticket for the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library, West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DR. Restrictions on access are imposed on certain categories of sensitive record: financial, governmental and personal, by order of the originating body or under data protection legislation. Access information, including opening hours and how to obtain a reader's ticket, appears as part of the Library's web site (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).