June 23rd 1860
Today
is the 160th anniversary of the unveiling of the telescope
made for Prince Albert. It was described as a ‘Magnificent
Astronomical Instrument’.
The
firm of Thomas Cooke & Sons of York displayed the telescope that
had been made for HRH the Prince Consort. Prince Albert being
interested in science and having heard of the excellent optical work
by Thomas Cooke expressed a desire to meet someone from the company.
Mr
Cooke travelled at once to Osborne House on the Isle of Wight to meet
Prince Albert in person. He obtained an order for the telescope while
there.
The
telescope which was described as magnificent had a lens of 5.5 inches
aperture and was housed in a tube 6.5 feet long. It was mounted on a
stout tripod stand of polished mahogany.
It
is also provided with another stand, permanently fixed in position,
composed of iron and polished granite, designed to form an elegant
and ornamental pillar, including a cover to protect the instrument
when not in use.
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