Stop E: York Observatory

About Stop E: York Observatory

Built in the early 1830s, York Observatory is the oldest working observatory in Yorkshire.

The octagonal-shaped structure was fitted with a revolving, lead-covered roof and houses a four-inch refractor telescope created by Thomas Cooke, whose local business was England’s first telescope factory.

Cooke also made a telescope for Prince Albert, and later went on to invent a steam-powered car.

Dr William Pearson provided the observatory with a clock, used to tell the time based on the location of the stars.

Local residents paid sixpence to synchronise their own watches against the timepiece, ensuring greater accuracy, especially important in the new industrial era.