The Observatory
THE OBSERVATORY, BURWASH ROAD
Listed on the National Heritage List for England. Search over 400,000 listed places
Overview
- Heritage Category:
- Listed Building
- Grade:
- II*
- List Entry Number:
- 1277117
- Date first listed:
- 03-Aug-1961
- List Entry Name:
- The Observatory
- Statutory Address:
- THE OBSERVATORY, BURWASH ROAD
Location
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Images of England Project
- Date:
- 1999-10-16
- Reference:
- IOE01/00705/01
- Rights:
- © Mr Anthony Sherwin. Source: Historic England Archive
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Discover moreOfficial list entry
- Heritage Category:
- Listed Building
- Grade:
- II*
- List Entry Number:
- 1277117
- Date first listed:
- 03-Aug-1961
- List Entry Name:
- The Observatory
- Statutory Address 1:
- THE OBSERVATORY, BURWASH ROAD
The scope of legal protection for listed buildings
This List entry helps identify the building designated at this address for its special architectural or historic interest.
Unless the List entry states otherwise, it includes both the structure itself and any object or structure fixed to it (whether inside or outside) as well as any object or structure within the curtilage of the building.
For these purposes, to be included within the curtilage of the building, the object or structure must have formed part of the land since before 1st July 1948.
The scope of legal protection for listed buildings
This List entry helps identify the building designated at this address for its special architectural or historic interest.
Unless the List entry states otherwise, it includes both the structure itself and any object or structure fixed to it (whether inside or outside) as well as any object or structure within the curtilage of the building.
For these purposes, to be included within the curtilage of the building, the object or structure must have formed part of the land since before 1st July 1948.
Location
- Statutory Address:
- THE OBSERVATORY, BURWASH ROAD
The building or site itself may lie within the boundary of more than one authority.
- County:
- East Sussex
- District:
- Rother (District Authority)
- Parish:
- Brightling
- National Grid Reference:
- TQ 67069 20748
Details
TQ 62 SE BRIGHTLING BURWASH ROAD
11/20 The Observatory
3.8.61 II*
Like Brightling Needle, this stands on a high spot. It was designed by Sir Robert Smirke in the early C19 for John Fuller of Brightling Park. The main building is T-shaped and of only 1 storey. Ashlar. Cornice and parapet. The east end is splayed and contains 2 windows with a tall chimney stack above the flat side between. The north and south walls of the east wing have slits for telescopes which are now closed with narrow double doors. The north and south wings have 1 window each and the north wing a doorway with ashlar pilasters and pediment. Above the intersection of the 3 wings is a second storey with 1 window to each front, a cornice and parapet over and inset within the latter a squat square turret of painted brick surmounted by a lead dome with a tiny window on the north side. On the west side is a semicircular curtain wall with the thickness of one room behind it making a semicircular court-yard between this and the entrance to the main building under the tower which has a doorway and window combined.
Listing NGR: TQ6706920748
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
- Legacy System number:
- 292428
- Legacy System:
- LBS
Legal
This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.
Map
This map is for quick reference purposes only and may not be to scale. This copy shows the entry on 28-Jun-2026 at 12:17:49.
Download a full scale map (PDF)End of official list entry
All text content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0 , except where otherwise stated. Any supplied maps are © Crown Copyright [and database rights] 2026 OS AC0000815036 and may not be reproduced without permission.