Hong Kong Observatory [????- ] | Gwulo: Old Hong Kong

Hong Kong Observatory [????- ]

Primary tabs

Submitted by philk on Mon, 2008-10-20 09:23
Current condition: 
In use
Tags: 
golden boy
chapter 8
  • Log in or register to post comments

Photos that show this place

1886
1886
1886
See more photos of this place

Comments

Submitted by Admin on Mon, 2010-03-22 21:08.

From Observatory's website, via 80sKid:

The idea of setting up a meteorological observatory in Hong Kong was first proposed by the Royal Society in 1879. It was considered that Hong Kong was 'favourably situated for the study of meteorology in general and typhoons in particular'. Indeed, typhoons at that time were of great concern to the infant port of Hong Kong, and the proposal was therefore welcomed by the Hong Kong Government. After considerable investigation and deliberation, the proposal was eventually approved in 1882. Dr. W. Doberck was appointed Government Astronomer (the first director of the Observatory) and following his arrival in Hong Kong in the summer of 1883, the Hong Kong Observatory was established in the same year.

Early operations of the Observatory included meteorological observations, magnetic observations, a time service based on astronomical observations and a tropical cyclone warning service. In 1912, King George V granted the title Royal Observatory, Hong Kong, in recognition of the department's services - a title that remained until reunification with China on 1 July 1997, when the original name was restored.

Submitted by moddsey on Tue, 2010-03-23 00:09.

A visit made to the then Royal Observatory Old Building in 1996.

1990s Hong Kong Observatory

1990s Hong Kong Observatory

1990s Hong Kong Observatory

1990s Hong Kong Observatory

1990s Hong Kong Observatory

 

Director's Quarters

1990s Hong Kong Observatory

Submitted by Admin on Wed, 2012-06-13 10:23.

CM Shun notes there appears to be a tower on the left (west) end of the 1883 HK Observatory building. He asks if anyone can confirm the presence of the tower, or if it's just an illusion of this photo: (click image for a larger view)

Chatham Road reclamation-Tsim Sha Tsui central area 1935

Submitted by tngan on Wed, 2012-06-13 12:09.

Hi there,

Isn't the St. Andrew's Church next to the Observatory?  However I guess we would need an old enough site plan for cross reference.

Best Regards,

T

Submitted by cmshun on Wed, 2012-06-13 16:40.
Hi T, Many thanks for responding. The tower-like feature appears to be between the 1883 building and the staff quarter to its immediate left. St Andrew should be further west downhill nearer to Nathan Road. Cheers, CM

Submitted by David on Fri, 2012-06-15 12:52.

HK Observatory

It does look like a tower, but I can't see any similar structure on the other aerial photos we have.

Regards, David

Submitted by moddsey on Sun, 2021-04-11 11:08.

I note a tall tower to the west of the 1883 Building. Is this the one?

1920s Nathan Road
1920s Nathan Road, by moddsey

Submitted by David on Mon, 2021-04-12 15:41.

Here's the 1930s photo again, with a red "^" pointing at what looked like it could be a 3-storey tower between the 1883 building and the staff quarters:

HK Observatory
HK Observatory, by Admin

 

Looking at this photo again, I think the 'tower' is probably the end wall of a building in the distance:

HK Observatory with building in the distance
HK Observatory with building in the distance, by Admin