The Sevenoaks School Observatory is one of those iconic buildings on the campus that inspires a raft of nostalgic reminiscences from several generations of alumni.
It was built on Jockey’s Platch in 1977 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee. The “highly ingenious shell’ covering was designed by the Head of Physics, Dr John Garrood and built by him and members of his Physics class.
The 14” reflecting telescope was designed by local resident and pioneering astronomer, Commander Henry Hatfield; it was believed to be the largest amateur instrument in the country at the time. Henry had turned to astronomy after a distinguished naval career and, as a result of the professional standard of his work, he rapidly became well known in scientific circles. He was elected President of the British Astronomical Association from 1987 to 1989 and became great friends with the famous astronomer and broadcaster Sir Patrick Moore.
The school Observatory was opened on 4 November 1977 by Sir Patrick Moore, pictured here far right with (left to right) Headmaster Alan Tammadge, Henry Hatfield and John Garrood.
In 1991, after a period of neglect, the Observatory was moved to its present site in the nuttery at the bottom of the Old Head’s House garden. A new telescope was funded by the Parents’ Association and opened by British astronomer Heather Couper CBE.
In 2016, the Observatory was used as the setting for the Campaign for Sevenoaks School video. The fundraising campaign supported the building of the state-of-the-art Science and Technology Centre, pictured below, opened by Sir William Castell LVO in 2018.
Sally Robbins
Archivist