Pencil drawing made by Miss Elizabeth Smith, of Brampton near Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Flamsteed House, the original Observatory building, was built by Sir Christopher Wren in 1675-1676. The large Octagon Room on the first floor originally served as the observing area, with the dwelling rooms of the Astronomer Royal on the ground and basement levels below. The dwelling house was extended several times; the 1835-1836 extension was built to accommodate George Airy’s growing family. The view here shows these new apartments (with one window open) and the North-West Dome. The Time Ball is shown in an unraised position.