Kew Observatory 1769 - 1980

occupation:
Astronomical institution,
Meteorological institution
Nationality:
British
born in:
Kew, Richmond upon Thames, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

Purpose built in 1769; the institution was the private observatory of King George III, to allow him to observe the transit of Venus. Passed to government control in 1840s, it was used and occupied by various organisations - BAAS, Royal Society & meteorological Office. The predecessor to the NPL was also located here before moving to its current site at Teddington in 1900. Since 1980 the building has been rented out to private tenants.