Ratcheugh Observatory

Ratcheugh Observatory is an impressive eighteenth century sham ruin on Ratcheugh crag in Northumberland. Designed by Robert Adam around 1784 in memory of the first Duchess of Northumberland and constructed by John Bell of Durham, the centrepiece is the first floor Observatory, with spectacular views of the coast and Aln valley. The rocky hilltop, which has iron age remains, was a favourite picnic spot of the first Duchess, like Heiferlaw Tower, and the monument is a prominent landscape feature, visible from Alnwick Castle and the East Coast main railway line. The second Duke added a cottage for a keeper at one end in the early C19, as at Brizlee Tower , and the site also has the remains of buildings connnected with the coastal defences of Britain against invasion during the Second World War.

After Robin Kent Architecture & Conservation's condition report identified serious structural defects the monument was propped as an emergency precation to preserve it from collapse, and the consultancy acted in re-roofing the observatory to ensure the survival of the fine historic plasterwork and joinery. It went on to prepare a comprehensive scheme of repair and conservation for the whole monument, obtaining competitive tenders from specialists and undertaking extended negotiations with English Heritage. The resulting conservation works have ensured the survival of this important and unusual historic monument, enjoyed by walkers and other visitors to the Heritage Coast.