Astronomical Observatory

The building is an astronomical observatory constructed in 1877. It was originally located at Joseph Baxendell’s home in Birkdale before being donated to Hesketh Park by his family and re-erected in 1901. The observatory was built for Joseph Baxendell (1815-1887), a meteorologist and astronomer who retired to Southport.

The structure is rectangular, built of red brick in stretcher bond, with stone keystones and imposts. It has a timber first floor, a lead roof and dome, and cast-iron steps stamped “MASONS PATENT”. The observatory has two storeys and one first-floor window. The ground floor features a pair of round-arched entrances, each with two steps leading to a board door and a blind fanlight. A flight of steps at the rear provides access to the first floor. Casement windows with plain reveals and cambered arches are present at the ends, with one window now bricked up. The first floor features rectangular and square panels resembling timber framing with raised lozenges and rectangles. A plate glass window with pilastered architraves is located to the front left, with a similar window on the right return. A flight of steps leads to a panelled rear entrance. An off-centre left dome is a prominent feature.

The interior retains the original telescope and features a painted inscription around the dome reading "Psalm XIX-I THE HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD; AND THE FIRMAMENT SHEWETH HIS HANDYWORK". A frieze with fielded oblong panels is positioned below the inscription. The dome’s ribs are visible, and it has two opening panels. The dome sits on casters and can revolve, offering a rotating view.

The observatory was originally part of a meteorological observatory in Hesketh Park, funded by John Fernley (1796-1873), and was intended for the benefit of local residents and school children. The telescope's coordinates are: longitude 2 degrees 59 minutes and 8 seconds west, latitude 53 degrees, 39 minutes and 25 seconds north, with an elevation of 12 feet above sea level.