Observatory At South Wing, St Ibbs, 90 Metres To West South West Of House

ST IPPOLLITTS LONDON ROAD TL 12 NE (West side) St. Ibbs

3/48 Observatory at South Wing, - St. Ibbs, 90M to WSW of house

GV II

Observatory. 1801 for Rev. William Lax, bill extant from Isaac Newton glazier and plumber of Hitchin for work on it, probably re-using materials from observatory dismantled from over great gate at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1797 (Lax's college). Red and black brick in header bond; vertical boarding to top band. Roof collapsed. A small circular building in middle of garden now rather overshadowed by trees. About 3M of brickwork topped by about 1M timber cowl with small windows at the cardinal points, part of the rotating cap. Wide segments of wall thickened externally by 9 inches for full height (one containing fireplace and flue) with recesses occupied by 3 windows and entrance on E. Wooden window frames, segmental arches, and 4-panels flush-beaded door with stone threshold. Remains of slate cap on floor. Interior lined with matchboarding.

Listing NGR: TL1931026562