Show on mapI’m sure i’ll get told off for it not being in Teesside, but its a short drive and its interesting !
Mount Snever Observatory was built for John Wormald of Oldstead Hall in 1837/38 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Victoria.
It stands around 40ft tall and is currently locked and inaccessible.
One plaque features a modified version of lines from Windsor Forest by Alexander Pope.
‘Here hills and waving groves a scene display
And part admit and part exclude the day
See rich industry smiling on the plains
And peace and plenty tell VICTORIA reigns!
Happy the MAN who to these shades retires
Whom NATURE charms and whom the muse inspires
Who wandering thoughtful in this silent wood
Attends the duties of the wise and good
To observe a mean, be to himself a friend
To follow NATURE and regard his end.’
‘John Wormald In the first year of the reign of Queen Victoria caused this observatory to be erected. J Dodds Builder’
