This obelisk was erected in Parramatta Park in 1890 to mark the location of an astronomical observatory that once stood here. According to the inscription, Parramatta Observatory was founded in 1822 by Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane, Governor of New South Wales. The transit stones, which remain in their original location, formed a stable base for the transit instrument – a telescope that moved on a north south axis which was used to measure longitude and the exact positions of the stars. In 1828, Surveyor Thomas Mitchell used these stones as a meridian mark for the first trigonometric survey of Australia. The observatory was closed in 1848 and the building was demolished in 1876 after it became dilapidated.
Enjoying your time in Parramatta and the history.
ReplyDeleteLots of good history there, well researched too. I remember when this was first used, there was a big crowd :-)
ReplyDeleteYou've got a good memory, Peter. ;)
DeleteMust head out to Parramatta Park one day, lots to see. great post Jim.
ReplyDeleteHello fгienԁs, its grеat paragгaρh οn the tοpic of history and сompletely explaіned, kеep іt uр аll the time.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting. Lovely photo of a very nice obelisk.
ReplyDeletewow, what decorative cemetery. i love the old ones such as this. (:
ReplyDeleteBeth, It's not actually a cemetery but a monument to the old observatory. I can understand the confusion though because I thought the same thing when I first saw it.
DeleteVery interesting history...nice shot too!
ReplyDeleteI stumbled upon this, I've found it positively useful and it has aided me out loads. I'm new to this, I hope to contribute. Great job.
ReplyDeleteLovely shot, Jim.
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