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The telescope and building were donated by Frank McClean, an engineer and
noted amateur astronomer.
Above is the plan as drawn by the famous architect Herbert
Baker.
It was constructed in 1896 and the Laboratory was added around 1900.
The dome was constructed by Cooke of York.
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Section of the telescope building showing the rising floor, its counterweights
and the hydraulic pump. Next to the back door is a hydraulic reservoir
(blue circular item near top of plan). This is raised by the pump and can
drive the floor up and down several times on a charge. The pump is turned on
automatically when the reservoir weight gets too low. The dome was
originally driven by a hydraulic motor but was electrified later on.
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