Dissertation

Having more or less completed my research on the Observatory, my onus this week has been on writing the final draft of the Dissertation, typing up the bibliography and adding in the appendices.

Video of Observatory

I visited the Observatory on Saturday, and took this short film

Follow-up visit and interview at the Observatory

I returned to the Observatory last Tuesday morning for an arranged interview with a former employee. On this occasion I had the opportunity to go up into the East Tower and see the Grubb 15-inch Reflector Telescope. Dating from 1835, it was the Dublin company's first commercial piece. Its purchase was made possible by Archbishop J.G. Beresford, who, unlike Archbishop Robinson's two immediate successors, took an active interest in the Observatory, extending the building and providing several new instruments.

Also, during my research, at least three secondary sources have given different dates for the death of the Observatory's first Director, the Rev. J.A. Hamilton. However, I plan to visit Mullabrack Church of Ireland (between Hamiltonsbawn and Markethill), to either view his headstone (if still legible from 1815!?) or investigate the church records for an accurate date

Tour of Observatory

The Troughton Equatorial Telescope

I took the tour of the Observatory yesterday. The staff were enormously helpful, and the highlight was going up through the South Tower to see the original telescope in its dome. Together, they are the oldest examples of their kind in the world.

Although the current Director was unavailable on the day, I have been put in touch with a former employee who may be able to help in my ongoing quest for primary sources!

Irish Parliament Act (1791)

Pictured here is the Irish Parliament Act (1791) which established the Armagh Observatory 'for ever'. However, later legislation enacted under the Union Parliament, specifically the Church Act (1869) and the Land Act (1881), would significantly effect the Observatory's fortunes.

Visit to The Robinson Library

Having visited The Robinson Library, I've managed to find some additional secondary sources, including The Catalogue of Stars compiled by the Observatory's third Director T. R. Robinson (no relation of Archbishop Robinson!). Unfortunately, however, I was informed that the Observatory's founder requested that all his private papers and correspondence be destroyed upon his death; although I'm hopeful of locating some primary sources on either the first or third Director during my visit to the Observatory.



Also pictured below are the three surviving Meridian Markers, used to align the original telescopes. The single, Southern Marker, can be found in a field just outside the Palace Demense, whilst the Northern arched structure and obelisk are located off the Loughgall Road at Tullyards.

Continued research and visits

I plan to visit the Robinson Library in Armagh City in the hope of finding some primary sources on the founder of the Observatory, Archbishop Richard Robinson, whose bust is pictured below. I have also been in touch with Armagh Observatory and booked an appointment for a tour of the building, during which I hope to have the opportunity to speak with the current Director.