... Armagh Observatory, College Hill, Armagh BT61 9DG, +44 (0)28 3752 2928 . Click on image for more information . ... Construction of the Armagh Observatory began in 1789 when Archbishop Robinson was eighty years of age. ... Dr James Archibald Hamilton as the first Astronomer in July 1790. ... The new observatory was equipped with a state-of-the-art telescope and astronomical clocks procured through the offices of the Astronomer Royal, Nevil Maskelyne, at the request of Archbishop Robinson. ...