Swept Under the Carpet: the forgotten story of astronomers Edward Crossley and Joseph Gledhill

Swept Under the Carpet: the forgotten story of astronomers Edward Crossley and Joseph Gledhill – Presented by Martin Lunn

In the red Brick Auditorium

The West Yorkshire town of Halifax was dominated by textile mills in the 19th century. Crossley Carpets made carpets which were exported around the world. What is less well known is that Edward Crossley and his employed assistant astronomer Joseph Gledhill had an observatory with the largest reflecting telescope in England. The two astronomers made massive contributions to the study of astronomy and after their deaths, Crossley’s two big telescopes, the 36 inch Common reflector and the 9.3 inch Cooke refractor, continued to be used in astronomical research around the world.

Martin Lunn – From 1989 until 2011 Martin was Curator of Astronomy at the Yorkshire Museum in York, and in 1998 he was presented with an MBE for services to astronomy and education.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and has served a term on their council.

Doors 12:30pm

Start 13:00pm

End 14:00pm

Accessibility Information:

Access: Our building access provisions include:

• Drop off point on Blackledge*
• Seating spaces for wheelchair users in our auditoriums
• Accessible toilets
• A changing places room (please ask a member of staff for more information and access to this facility)
• Improved level access into the main entrance of the building
• Lifts inside the building
• Loop hearing systems in place in our auditoriums (ask at Box Office for more information)
• Concessions are available for patrons with disabilities.

*Drop off point: We have a drop off point at the bottom of Blackledge (the cobbled lane leading up to Square Chapel.

Please call us on 01422 353 073 if you need further advice and information about our accessible facilities.