This page is intended to support a lecture given by Graham Dolan to the Orpington Astronomical Society at High Elms, Bromley on 24 November 2016.
People: William Christie, Astronomer Royal
This page covers Christie’s life and many of the changes that took place on his watch. There are links to the telescopes and buildings connected with him etc.
Abinger Magnetic Observatory (1923-1957)
This page covers in detail the background to the magnetic interference at Greenwich caused by the railways and the subsequent move to Abinger.
This page gives details of how the Board was constituted and how it operated.
A guide to grading and staffing structures
This page gives details of how staffing structures changed over the years.
The International Meridian Conference of 1884
This page gives details of the build up to the conference and how its resolutions were put into practice.
Longitude determinations (1888–1902)
This link takes you to the volume of results and discussions of the Greenwich - Paris longitude determinations that were carried out in 1888, 1892 and 1902.
For those who are into intersted in seeing for themselves where Christie lived after retirement, here are the postcodes of his houses:
Deepdale, Woldingham, Surrey, CR3 7HH
The Tower House, Downe, Kent, BR6 7JS
The Tower House has reverted to its old name Trowmers and is currently on the market with both Alan de Maid and Savills for just under £2,000,000.
© 2014 – 2024 Graham Dolan
Except where indicated, all text and images are the copyright of Graham Dolan