Why is Greenwich Home to the Royal Observatory?

Nice work. I recommend any visitors to London to include Greenwich in their itinerary. Even if you aren't interested in the history of astronomy, it's a lovely area to be in.

Fantastic video! Whilst most people visit Greenwich during the day, it is only at night that one of its many secrets comes out to play … the green laser line that cuts the night sky to denote the meridian line. Eye catching stuff.

G'morning Rob, for once I'm lost for words, absolutely fascinating research and filming/editing. Lots of interesting info you put into it. The weather was on your side too!! I loved the snippet about the battered 1pm drop ball, the comforting BBC time beeps, it's all there in this vid. Tourism London should have you on board. Enough said, Cheers DougT

I quite like the H1 as so much of its workings is visiable. I took my friends twins there a couple of years back, one of them was bowled over by the Harrison Chronometers (Mainly because his name is Harrison) The panetarium is also well worth paying the top up for a talk.

Another fascinating video! One of my most treasured memories is from the Royal Observatory, of taking my late father there when he visited me at university in London. He was in the Royal Navy before I was born, and he was in his element learning about it's contributions to maritime history. He wasn't fond of the climb up the hill, however.

Thank you for another very interesting video. Deal on the Kent coast has a maritime time ball and there’s a big advent with people bringing champagne and snacks, fireworks on the beach, watching the time ball bring in the new year.

Amazing work as per usual Rob. Another very informative video, on such a gem of a location. I remember going here with school when I was around 11, but I don't remember much about the visit.

Once again, you follow up a brilliant video with another brilliant video. A massive well done, and thank you for this one Rob. So much information again. Foulby where Mr Harrison was born, is only about 15 miles from me. Loved all of his clocks, but the first one looked amazing. As for Cockney rhyming slang for telescope, how about Pope?

What an incredible overview of Greenwich! I plan to visit on my next London visit and this certainly makes it look like an worthwhile place! Thank you!

We went to Greenwich on our 1st trip to London in 2015 and did not go into the observatory. Such a shame that i must rectify on our next trip!
I saw a movie on A&E called Longitude. I don't think it was a hit, but it was about Harrison and his invention of the chronometer. I loved it. Must now go and see them in action!
Thanks for the great video Rob!

Rob, another informative and entertaining masterclass 👍

What an honour to be allowed to have a private visit.

Rob not sure if my comment got to you , greetings again again from Thailand excellent video as always. If I get a surge of energy I can walk to it from home.

Mention of Greenwich Mean Time allows me to mention my annoyance of why The UK has British Summer Time. I know why it was brought in to help with the 2 world wars but, why do we still have “spring forward and fall back “ , no where else does this !

Fabulous, simply Fabulous.

In Liverpool, we had 'The One O'Clock Gun' until 1969. I remember hearing it when I was at my Nan's during school dinner break. I think they used the gun because Bidston Observatory was obscured by various hills and tall buildings.

Tricky longitude.Latitude is pretty easy by knowing the constellations, Sun and Moon although obviously you need clear skies!

You live a charmed life, Rob. Thank you for this very entertaining video about Royal Observatory Greenwich.

Greenwich was chosen because it was directly on the Greenwich Meridian. Talk about a happy coincidence, huh?

Thanks Rob. A fascinating insight into the history of the Royal Observatory. I’ve never visited it but will be sure to next time I’m in the UK.

My favourite Harrison chronometer is the one auctioned off at Sotheby’s by Del and Rodney.

If the rhyming slang for telescope had come from the time, it would probably been something rope. Bucket and rope - ‘bucket’?

I have said it before but I shall repeat that your videos are so well filmed and filled with good solid information and not full of geewiz sensational flummery, something the mainstream documentary makers could learn from. 👍

It looks like a very beautiful and peaceful town. Thanks for sharing a nice video, my friend.

Loved this Rob. Packed a lot in there. Have to visit this place. Kudos for giving you access. A glorious piece of maritime history and such a wonderful site.

Great video. Although I lived in East London and would cross the Zero line several times a day even once in a boat. I have never been to see the observatory.

Thanks!

A bit behind so just watched this - so fascinating and as always another great video!

Greenwich is one of my favorite spots to go to when I'm in London. If you are interested in the history of timekeeping, a wonderful book is called Longitude, by Dava Sobel.

Great video Rob. I didn't realise the importance of Greenwich, London. Thank You

Brilliant Rob. Easily digested, fascinating information and history.

Love it, why was Greenwich chosen for the Royal Observatory? "Oh, it was cheap and it had a hill"

I live near there only down the hill. I’d love a documentary on the history of Blackheath. It’s full of caves and there are stories of the devil and onions weren’t allowed up there. Plus the Cornish Rebellion

I live in Peacehaven, East Sussex, and the Meridian Line is here also. I have walked from here to Greenwich following the line.

H1 is a gem, H4 is genius👍

John Harrison is a personal hero of mine,,,
I love to finish my time machine ( using Homer Simpsons toaster travel device!)
I would love to meet Harrison and give him some idea how many lives that he has saved,,, the enrichment of people's lives because he would make possible journeys and goods were viable for Londoners to eat bananas,,, avoiding the danger of passing the Horn, etc etc etc.
Just dreaming.

FYI. There's a time ball in Edinburgh on Calton hill for exactly the same reason. Although, i don't know which goes first, the one 'o' clock gun or, the time ball!

As ever, superbly researched, filmed, scripted edited with the usual freindly and professional voice over. Super, Dooper Rob!

Rob

…..presumably because that is where it is….

Looks like that would be a grand spot to have New Year's Eve celebration.

Thanks!

Another great video, thanks!

What a name and title.. The (fifth) Astronomer Royal, Neville Masculine.. that is a heck of a combination.

Greenwich must have been delighted with the masterful video you have produced 👍 👍 Well done 👍 👍 Thank you ... perfection !

John Harrison was a singleminded genius.

Wasn't it a Harrison chronometer watch that made Del Boy and Rodney millionaires in Only fools and Horses ?

A great story, well told.

Loved the story about workman playing football with that ball shaped thing 🤣🤣

wasn't the Harrison watch mentioned in only fools and horses epesode when they took it to auction ?

Thank you, that was a lovely look around Greenwich Observatory, especially without the crowds 😁 😊❤