Harbour Barometer

Harbour Barometer

Chemistry,Natural Philosophy

The Harbour barometer, which can be found in the wall of 35 North Street, contains an aneroid and a Fitzroy barometer with storm glass, but is missing its thermometer. It was installed after Admiral Robert Fitzroy (acting as the first head of the Meteorological Department of the Board of Trade) instigated and oversaw the distribution of dozens of barometers to fishing ports around the British Isles following violent storms in 1859, to enable weather predictions before fleets set out to try and help ensure their safety. Storm barometers were glass tubes filled with liquid that would crystallise in different patterns, and one accompanied Fitzroy on the HMS Beagle, on which Fitzroy was Charles Darwin’s commanding officer.

To see more information on the barometer, click here.

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35 North Street, St Andrews KY16 9AQ

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1859