Flamsteed House – whose name comes from the first royal astronomer, John Flemsteed – was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and is very well positioned in the heart of the park. The terrace offers a great view of the Queen’s House and the Royal Naval College, with the River Thames in the background. In the view are also included the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.
Until 1957 it was the headquarters of the Old Royal Observatory, built in desire of Charles II in 1675 to support navigation. Later moved to Herstmonceux, in Sussex, the building is located since 1990, at Cambridge.
Outside, on the turn, a pole is supporting a red sphere that every day, at 13pm, it lows down, allowing ships moored on the Thames to fit their watches. The building now houses an interesting collection of old astronomical instruments, including Harrison’s Original Chronometer, the first accurate watch, that could be used in navigation. Four rooms are furnished like in John Flamsteed time.
Learn more about Old Royal Observatory: