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Latitude: 50.1517 / 50°9'6"N
Longitude: -5.0697 / 5°4'11"W
OS Eastings: 180802
OS Northings: 32472
OS Grid: SW808324
Mapcode National: GBR ZD.THH7
Mapcode Global: FRA 088M.8QB
Plus Code: 9C2P5W2J+M4
Entry Name: The Observatory
Listing Date: 23 January 1973
Grade: II
Source: Historic England
Source ID: 1269948
English Heritage Legacy ID: 460239
ID on this website: 101269948
Location: Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11
County: Cornwall
Civil Parish: Falmouth
Built-Up Area: Falmouth
Traditional County: Cornwall
Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Cornwall
Church of England Parish: Falmouth King Charles the Martyr
Church of England Diocese: Truro
Tagged with: Observatory
FALMOUTH
SW8032SE VICTORIA COTTAGES
843-1/10/218 The Observatory
23/01/73
GV II
Observatory. 1862 for The Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society.
Stucco on masonry with channelled rustication to square-plan
ground floor (plus small rear wing), octagonal above rising to
frieze and deep cove to parapet; steep asbestos slate roof
with 4 dormers with C20 glazing and steep roof to wing.
3 storeys or stages plus attic with observation room; small
round-arched windows with horned sashes plus 3 square-headed
windows. Doorway to south side within lean-to on right; C20
door. INTERIOR not inspected but said to retain original
reflectors and staircase.
HISTORY: this building was used to keep meteorological records
until the early 1950s. The Royal Polytechnic Society was
founded in 1833 by Anna-Maria and Caroline, the 2 teenage
daughters of Robert Were Fox. As Quakers they were concerned
about the well-being of the working classes and wanted to
encourage innovative ideas and invention.
(Gilson P: Falmouth in Old Photographs: Falmouth: 1990-: 51,
97 AND 101).
Listing NGR: SW8080232472
External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.
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