{
  "id": 16941873,
  "title": "The King’s Observatory could be yours for the low, low price of £18 million",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/the-kings-observatory-could-be-yours-for-the-low-low-price-of-18",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-28T18:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Scientist",
    "slug": "new-scientist",
    "url": "https://www.newscientist.com/article/2595720-the-kings-observatory-could-be-yours-for-the-low-low-price-of-18-million/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A once prestigious astronomical observatory, once used by the royal family to observe celestial events, now stands for sale at an astronomical price. The King’s Observatory, located in Old Deer Park, London, was commissioned by King George III in the 1760s for his wife Queen Charlotte to view the 1769 transit of Venus. Once a hub of scientific exploration, the observatory later functioned as offices and is now a private residence. Despite its rich history and operational status, the asking price is a staggering £18 million, with the only potential drawback being its location in the middle of a golf course.",
  "summary": "The King's Observatory in London, built on the orders of King George III so he could watch the 1769 transit of Venus, is up for sale. Feedback is interested – but not sure if our bank balance will stretch to the asking price",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}