The Observatory has been a landmark in Falmouth for over 150 years, with a rich history that reflects the town’s scientific, social, and architectural heritage.
Funded by the Cornwall Royal Polytechnic Society (The Poly), the original Observatory tower at Victoria Cottages was constructed in 1868 and meteorological readings began. However, by 1883, it was clear the site was not suitable and searches for a new site began.
1868
Funded by the Cornwall Royal Polytechnic Society (The Poly), the original Observatory tower at Victoria Cottages was constructed & meteorological readings began. By 1883, it is clear the site is not suitable, and searches for a new site begin.
1884
The site for the new Observatory on Western Terrace is purchased, and the foundation stone is laid in a very well-attended ceremony.
1886
Observations begin at the new site, with Edward Kitto as the lead Observer; his wife and daughter live in the new building.
1898
Errors in the readings are found. This starts many years of threatened funding, with fundraising activities and grants from The Poly repeatedly saving the Observatory from closure.
1913
The Meteorological Society took over the employment of the new observer (J. B. Phillips) upon Kitto’s retirement. Phillips later offers to work for free in exchange for living rent-free to secure his job and home in the Observatory.
1964
The building is sold to the ‘Falmouth Old People’s Welfare Committee’, who turn the property into sheltered independent living quarters for the elderly; a new scheme designed to target loneliness amongst the ageing population. It is now known as ‘The Abbeyfield Society’ house.
1998
The Abbeyfield sells the building, which becomes ‘Alexandra’s Respite Home’, opening in 1999 and hosting Cornwall’s then-oldest resident at 107 years old.
2002
The Alexandra Respite Home closes and is sold to the Radmore family, who convert the rooms to bed & breakfast accommodation.
2021
The Radmores look to retire and place the Observatory on the market. The Paterson family, who are living nearby, see the huge potential as a dental practice, with the purchase completed in June 2021.
2022
In September 2022, after a year of renovation, The Observatory Dental Practice opened with a single surgery and three full-time members of staff.
2023
In August 2023, a second surgery was opened with the team growing to 12. Water ingress demanded the replacement of the southern portion of the roof.
2025
In winter 2024, water ingress led to the renovation of the flat-roofed northern end of the property. In March 2025, a third surgery was opened, and by June 2026, the team had grown to 24.
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