Greenwich is one of the best known places in London. Everyone has heard the name of the borough and the area, even they have never been here before. The reason for that is mainly the fact that the Prime Meridian is named after Greenwich, and from there – the internationally used Greenwich Mean Time. The Royal Observatory of Greenwich, one of the oldest scientific institutions of its kind, was the responsible factor for those things.
The building of the observatory, which is no longer serving its original purpose, is located in the mid of Greenwich Park in an area that offers a breathtaking panorama of the River Thames. It was commissioned by no other King Charles II, thus the designation Royal. The charter for the construction was signed in 1675 and the foundation stone for the future observatory was laid on 10 August that same year. The construction of the building was entrusted to Sir Christopher Wren, who is probably the most highly acclaimed architect in British history. There is little doubt that such a title is wholly deserved. Sir Christopher Wren rebuilt as many as 52 churches after the Great London Fire, but other buildings that are his work include St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Royal Naval College, the front of Hampton Court Palace and many others.
Wren was actually commissioned to create the first purpose-built scientific facility in British history. He was given 500 pounds for the project, which eventually went over budget and was completed the next year (1675) for 520 pounds.
In addition to the Observatory itself, the position of Astronomer Royal was also established. His duties were to govern the activities that are taking place in the Royal Observatory, or to quote from the original chart with which the position was established: “”apply himself with the most exact care and diligence to the rectifying of the tables of the motions of the heavens, and the places of the fixed stars, so as to find out the so much desired longitude of places for the perfecting of the art of navigation.” The first occupier of the post was no other than John Flamstead who is to this day remembered for his scientific feat of cataloging no less than 3000 stars. Most of this strenuous work was completed while he was at the position of Astronomer Royal. Actually, his persona became so tightly connected to the Royal Observatory that long after his death the place was still referred to by locals as the Flamstead House.
Originally, the Observatory was built with the purpose of housing the instruments and equipment of the Astronomer Royal and to accommodate him at best in the course of his work. Eventually additional responsibilities for the occupant and staff of the observatory were added, like hosting Her Majesty’s Nautical Almanac Office, and of course marking the official time of the day.
Sir Jonas Moore, who at the time of the establishment acted as Surveyor General at the Ordnance Office, and is reputed to be the brain behind the establishment of the observatory and establishing John Flamstead as director, furthermore donated two clocks, work of the famed clock-master Thomas Tompion, which were installed high in the principle room of the building – the Octagon Room. The position of the clock and their unique designed gave an unparallel accuracy at the time – seven seconds per day.
Despite the myriad of brilliant scientists and the tons of good work that has been done in the Royal Observatory, what the place will always be remembered for would be the establishment of the Prime Meridian. This happened in 1851. The person behind the establishment of the Greenwich Meridian was Sir George Airly. Until the end of the 19th century all ships and nautical maps around the world used the Greenwich Prime Meridian as a main reference point. The decision that namely Greenwich would be home to the prime meridian was made at a congress at the behest of the US President Chester A. Arthur. As many as 41 delegates from 25 nations attended the so called International Meridian Conference that took place in October 1884. At that time the Greenwich Meridian was already so popular with trade and military sailors that there was little surprise in the decision that it is to become the official Prime Meridian of the world. It passes through the Airy transit circle (51°28′40.1″N 0°0′5.3″W) of the Greenwich observatory.
Some other major points in the history of the Royal observatory can be seen in the following brief chronology:
- 22 June 1675 – the Observatory is founded
- 10 August 1675 – beginning of the construction
- 1714 Longitude Act established the Board of Longitude and Longitude rewards. Until the act was dissolved in 1828, the Astronomer Royal was always Commissioner of Longitude.
- 1767 – the publication of Nautical Almanac began courtesy to Astronomer Royal Nevil Maskelyne
- 1818 Oversight of the Royal Observatory was transferred from the Board of Ordnance to the Board of Admiralty.
- 1833 – by dropping of Time ball the daily time signals were established
- 1899 – extension of the Royal Observatory, known as the South Building, was completed
- 1924 – hourly time signals began being broadcasted via radio
- 1957 – The Royal Observatory was moved to Herstmonceux. The Greenwich site is renamed to The Old Royal Observatory
As it was already mentioned, there is no longer scientific work done at the old site. Today however the Observatory Museum, which is the main function the building carries out, is one of the most interesting attractions in Greenwich Park and in the borough as a whole. If you are coming to live in Greenwich and you have already left it to your professional man and van services in South East London to handle the move, come here with your kids. You will be more than happy with the time spend at the observatory, because you will relax, de-stress and you will get acquainted with your new place of residence in the best possible manner – through its rich history and cultural importance.
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