Cambridge University Observatory
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 4 Collections and/or Records:
Plans and sketches of Solar Physics building, Spectroheliograph House and Siderostat House, at Cambridge University Observatory; with related papers, 1912 - 1913
The engineers were T. Cooke and Sons, and the contractor was William Sindall.
Plans of Cambridge University Observatory; with related papers, 1821 - 1822
The contractors were Munday and Bushell. All plans are unsigned. The scale is inferred as tentatively 1 inch to 5 feet, unless otherwise specified.
Plans of details of Huggins and McClean Building at Cambridge University Observatory, 1908 - 1909
The category - Assets records - comprises records relating to property and personnel. Accounting material is in this category, alongside records of endowments, charitable trusts, buildings and employees.
Plans of the details of the New Equatorial Building at Cambridge University Observatory, 1896 - 1898
The contractors were Rattee and Kett, Cambridge.