City Observatory’s transit telescope

This week’s photograph taken by Bruce Vickery shows the City Observatory’s transit telescope which stands in the City Observatory’s east wing.

The telescope was used by the observatory's astronomer  to calculate the time at midday.

German optician Joseph von Fraunhofer made the lens while Johann Georg Repsold was commissioned to manufacture the telescope.

The Fire Master of Hamburg Fire Brigade, Johann George Repsold was killed on duty when a wall collapsed resulting in his death in 1830.

Assisted by the observatory’s staff, the transit telescope was set up in the City Observatory by the engineer’s son the following year.

We’re pleased to report that Bombardier Allison Jones is back on duty.

The relief gunner fires the One o’ Clock Gun every Monday bang on time on the District Gunner’s day off.