Wonder why this spot on Calton Hill is so special? It’s home to the City Observatory, a place where Edinburgh’s astronomy and timekeeping traditions began.
The City Observatory’s story began in 1776. Thomas Short wanted to create a public observatory. He brought his brother’s reflecting telescope to Edinburgh. Funds were then made available, and the city gave him land on Calton Hill.
James Craig designed the City Observatory. It was originally planned to look like a fortification. However, money ran out. Only one of the Gothic towers was built. Short lived there and ran the City Observatory until he died.
After Short’s death in 1788, his family kept the observatory going for a while. Then, it was leased to opticians and finally abandoned around 1807. The site then went back to the city.
In 1812, the Edinburgh Astronomical Institution took over. They opened a popular observatory in the Gothic Tower. William Henry Playfair designed a new building. This was to be the Institution’s scientific observatory. Following a loyal address to George IV in 1822 this became the Royal Observatory.
Funds were still short. Buying instruments and employing an observer depended on government money. Finally, in 1831, the transit telescope arrived. Fraunhofer made the lens. After his death, Repsold and his son completed the instrument.
Thomas Henderson became the observer in 1834. He held the title of Astronomer Royal for Scotland. He worked on Calton Hill until his death in 1844.
The City Observatory played a vital role in timekeeping. Observers used the transits of stars to keep accurate time. This was important for navigation. Mariners brought ships’ chronometers to Calton Hill for adjustment. In 1854, the time ball was installed on Nelson’s Monument. It was controlled by electrical pulses from the City Observatory clock.
The One O’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle was later added. It was also controlled by wire from Calton Hill. Today, these are tourist attractions.
By 1888, the City Observatory’s equipment was outdated. Also, the site’s proximity to the city was causing problems. In 1896, the Royal Observatory moved to Blackford Hill. The Calton Hill Observatory then reverted to the City of Edinburgh.
A new City Observatory was created on Calton Hill. William McEwan donated a 6-inch refractor. It was installed in the Playfair Building’s dome. Additional domes were built for other telescopes.
The City Observatory opened in 1898. William Peck became the City Astronomer. After Peck’s death, John McDougal Field ran the City Observatory.
The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh was formed in 1924. They ran the City Observatory until 2009. Vandalism and theft made the site unusable.
In 2018, the City Observatory site reopened as Collective. It is now a centre for contemporary art. The renovated City Observatory is open to the public. It is proof that collaboration can produce stunning results. The restored Transit instrument is now on public display.
So, as you stand here, remember the City Observatory’s journey. From its beginnings as a dream to its current role as a hub for art. It’s a place where science and creativity meet.