Skip to main content

Sketch of the Royal Observatory from the south-east side by Caroline Smith, 1836

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 116/4/2
Sketch of the Royal Observatory from the south-east side by Caroline Smith
Sketch of the Royal Observatory from the south-east side by Caroline Smith

Scope and Contents

Pencil drawing showing the Royal Observatory Greenwich as viewed from the south-east side from the top of the gravel-pit, before the enclosure of the Magnetic Ground. The sketch is by Caroline Smith, the sister of George Airy's wife, Richarda Smith. It was drawn circa 1836 during Airy's early occupancy. An accompanying note by George Airy, dated 1869, describes the buildings and their use in more detail and the subsequent changes made [RGO 116/4/3].

Two similar views of the Observatory, made by Caroline's sister, Elizabeth Smith, can be seen at [RGO 116/3/2] and [RGO 116/3/13]. The former image, dated 1838, was drawn soon after the Magnetic Ground was enclosed. The latter image, dated 1845, shows the later addition of the Altazimuth Dome (built in 1844).

Dates

  • Creation: 1836

Creator

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).

Extent

1 item(s) (1 drawing) : Paper

Language of Materials

English

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

146 x 245 mm

Related Materials

For similar views of the Observatory from the South-East by Elizabeth Smith, dated 1836 and 1845, see [RGO 116/3/2 and RGO 116/3/13-14].

Date information

DateText: circa.

Finding aid date

2014-10-14 12:29:07+00:00

Repository Details

Part of the Cambridge University Library Repository

Contact:
Cambridge University Library
West Road
Cambridge CB3 9DR United Kingdom