[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” el_class=”site-color-3 site-txt-light obs-full-block”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Clifton Observatory
When we took on this incredible project to restore the Clifton Observatory, we wanted to bring this iconic building back into public use. At this stage; little did we know of its historical significance and the stories surrounding the building.
Over the last few years we have opened the Museum, Camera Obscura and the Giants Cave. We have since opened the venue for events and allowed citizens of Bristol and those all around the world to become part of the of the rich history. From couples sharing their wedding day, to family and friends celebrating birthday parties or perhaps a Christening. We also host Corporate conferences and Summer/Christmas parties. The Observatory offers breathtaking views and allows you, to become a part of its history.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
History Of the Clifton Observatory
1766
James Walters awarded £200 by the society of Merchants to build a windmill on Clifton Down
1768
A Violent Storm causes the windmill to catch fire
1828
Society of Merchant Ventures grant a 7-year lease on the ruined windmill a 5 shillings per annum to William West who converts the tower into an Observatory
1829
First Competition announced for Clifton Observatory Suspension Bridge – Brunel’s Giant’s hole design is one of his four record-breaking schemes
1835
Whilst excavating the foundations west discovers natural caves. He excavates a 91m tunnel connecting his Observatory to the ‘Giant’s Cave’
1837
Giants Cave opened to the public
1860
William West Dies, aged 60
1897
A proposal to demolish the Observatory and replace it with a column, tower to commemorate the 500th anniversary of John Cabot’s discovery of Newfoundland was opposed and a tower was instead built on Brandon Hill
1940
The Observatory requisitioned by Home Guard as a communications and patrol base.
1977
The Observatory listed grade II* and sold by the society of merchant ventures with a restrictive covenant requiring the owners to maintain public access to the Camera Obscura and Giants Cave
2003
Concorde flies over the Observatory in the final minutes of its last flight
2015
Observatory sold into private ownership to Bristol-born resident
2017
Museum established at the Observatory
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” el_class=”obs-title”][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces”][vc_column el_class=”obs-border-outer site-border-color-bg”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1547554833578{background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column_inner el_class=”obs-border-block” width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1548263297395{background-image: url(https://staging3.cliftonobservatory.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Capture1.jpg?id=15155) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_btn title=”Giant’s cave” style=”btn-site-style” shape=”square” color=”site-color-3″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fcliftonobservatory.com%2Fopening-times%2Fgiants-cave-2%2F|||”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”obs-border-block” width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1548263203092{background-image: url(https://staging3.cliftonobservatory.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Observatory-opening-article-1.jpg?id=15157) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_btn title=”Camera Obscura” style=”btn-site-style” shape=”square” color=”site-color-3″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fcliftonobservatory.com%2Fopening-times%2Fcamera-obsucra%2F|||”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=”obs-border-block” width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1548179647009{background-image: url(https://staging3.cliftonobservatory.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/tower.jpg?id=15092) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_btn title=”Venue Hire” style=”btn-site-style” shape=”square” color=”site-color-3″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fcliftonobservatory.com%2Fvenue-hire%2F|||”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]