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Site Details

Observatory near Lilburn Tower (Tillside)

Observatory, Grade II*. c.1840 by John Dobson. Copper roof and battlemented parapet. Single storey. Copper dome with openings for telescope. 19th century observatory.

NU 02 SW LILBURN LILBURN TOWER
7/87 Observatory c.100 yards
South-West of Lilburn Tower
II*
Observatory. c1840. By John Dobson. Ashlar with copper roof and battlemented parapet. Single storey. 3 bays with lower, one-bay extensions left and right. Centre bay canted and containing door
with Tudor head in left part and 12-pan sash in front, hoodmoulds to both. Left bay has tall, narrow window for telescope. Similar openings to rear, also doors in left and right extensions. Copper
dome above with openings for telescopes. (1)(2)

The observatory was planned and built by E J Collingwood. In 1862 Piazzi Smyth reported that the observatory was originally furnished with a Munich 6-inch object glass. This was later replaced and the original Munich objective was preserved by the owners of Lilburn Tower. (2)

(NU 02522435) Lilburn Tower (NAT). (3a)

Lilburn is a Tudor style country house with shaped gables and a symmetrical three bay front designed by John Dobson and built between 1828-43. Grade 2*. (3b-c)
N3544
Victorian (1837 to 1901)
Listed Building


Source of Reference
Local History of Tillside
Local History of Tillside
Local History of Tillside

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Please note that this information has been compiled from a number of different sources. Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council can accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy contained therein. If you wish to use/copy any of the images, please ensure that you read the Copyright information provided.

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