FRIENDS OF THE DOWNS AND AVON GORGE
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The Observatory  ST5655 7325
The tower was originally a snuff mill built in 1766, but burnt out in a storm in 1777. It became a ruin until 1828 when William West, an important local artist, leased it and in 1834 built a domed extension for an astronomical telescope and put a Camera Obscura on top of the tower that still exists. He then excavated below the tower to gain entrance to the natural cave below (known as the Giant’s cave), and opened up for tourists. All subsequent owners have done the same. It is open during the summer months. 
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  • Home
  • Events
    • calendar
  • Newsletters
  • How to Join
    • Contact Us
  • Out and About
    • Natural World >
      • The Richard Bland Memorial Blog >
        • Richard's potted history of the Downs
        • Richard's A-Z of the Downs
        • Richard's Trees of the Downs
        • Richard's tree spices of the Downs
        • Richard's Downs diary
      • Meadows
      • Trees
      • Birds of the Downs
      • Peregrines
      • Rare plants
      • Butterflies
      • Goats in the Gully
    • History >
      • Areas of Interest >
        • Bristol Zoo Gardens
        • University of Bristol Botanic Garden
        • Seawalls views, wildlife and geology of the Avon Gorge
        • Clifton Suspension Bridge
        • Dark Sky Discovery Site
        • Sport, especially football, on the Downs
        • Water Tower
      • Victorian Steps
      • The Roman Road
      • The Dumps
      • Ventilation Towers
      • The Observatory
      • Clifton Camp
      • The Tramway
      • Mere stones
      • The oldest war memorial
      • Proctor’s Fountain
    • Amenities >
      • The Downs Cafe
      • Children’s Playground
      • Barbecue Area
      • Ice cream vans
      • Toilets
  • How to Get Here
  • words and pictures
    • pictures
    • news and views
  • Links
    • Associated Information