Ratcheugh Observatory

Ratcheugh Observatory is a folly building constructed in the late 18th century on a prominent crag between Alnwick and Longhoughton in north Northumberland, England. Commissioned by Hugh Percy, 1st Duke of Northumberland, the Observatory is castellated in appearance, and incorporates a viewing tower with prospects of Alnwick and its castle, and of the North Sea coast at Boulmer.

Ratcheugh Observatory from the east

Location

Ratcheugh Observatory is located on Ratcheugh Crag, a local 120-metre (390 ft) whinstone high-point above a foreground of fields at 85-metre (279 ft) or lower elevations, situated 2.2 miles (3.5 km) east-north-east of Alnwick and 1.2 miles (1.9 km) west-south-west of Longhoughton; 2.5 miles (4.0 km) inland from the coast at Boulmer, in north Northumberland.

Observatory

The Observatory at Ratcheugh is a screen-wall built at the crag edge, incorporated into which are a number of turrets or towers; and having towards its northern extent a square-plan viewing tower built on open hollow-chamfered arches. The tower has a single enclosed room, each wall having three large round-arched windows affording commanding views to the north-east, north-west, south-east and south-west. The structure is described by Historic England as a gazebo and eye-catcher in the Castellated Gothick style, and is constructed in rough-faced stone with ashlar dressings.[1]

The Observatory was designed by (or follows a design outline of) Robert Adam, and dates from 1754–1770.[2] It provides very fine views of Alnwick Castle, Hulne Park, Hulne Priory and other of the Duke's local possessions; a 360° panorama of the local area, farmland used for fox hunting and point-to-point horse racing; and distant views of Dunstanburgh and Warkworth Castles and the Farne Islands.

It is one of a number of prominent follies built on the skylines around Alnwick; other include the 1781 Brizlee Tower, another creation of the Duke;[3] Jenny's Lantern on the Bolton estate, and Crawley Tower on the Shawdon estate, all dating to the late 18th-century.[4][5]

The Observatory incorporates a small cottage, a later c.1850 addition. The Observatory is a Grade 1 listed building.[1]

References
  1. Historic England. "Ratcheugh Observatory (1154280)". National Heritage List for England.
  2. "Observatory at Ratcheugh Crag (Longhoughton)". Keys to the Past. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  3. Historic England. "Brizlee Tower (1076985)". National Heritage List for England.
  4. Historic England. "Jenny's Lantern (1041960)". National Heritage List for England.
  5. Historic England. "Crawley Tower (1057698)". National Heritage List for England.

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