Archbishop John Beresford

Two archbishops held office between Lord Rokeby and Lord John George Beresford, but the histories of Armagh Observatory give them little mention, except to note that the generous disposition of the founder towards astronomy did not continue with them.

Lord Beresford became the Archbishop of Armagh after holding the post of Archbishop of Dublin. During his time in office, Armagh Observatory experienced its first renaissance. This was not only due to the energy, enthusiasm, and enterprise of Director Thomas Romney Robinson (no relation to Primate Robinson), but in no small part due to Beresford’s influence. Much like the founder, he had a great deal of interest in science as well as wealth and influence, with which he was generous. Director Robinson was able to acquire several much needed instruments – indeed, Beresford ordered ‘that the requisite instruments should be procured without limitation of price,’ according to Robinson’s successor, Director J.L.E. Dreyer. In 1840 Primate Beresford induced Queen Victoria to donate to Armagh several instruments from King George Ill’s old observatory in Kew Gardens.