Grade I listed · Richmond upon Thames

Kew Observatory

Kew Observatory is a Grade I listed building in Richmond upon Thames, first listed on 10 January 1950. It is one of 40 Grade I entries among 814 listed buildings in Richmond upon Thames; 0% of Richmond upon Thames’s current entries were listed before it.

List entry
Field	Value
Name	Kew Observatory
Grade	Grade I — exceptional interest
List entry number	1357729
Date first listed	10 January 1950
Local planning authority	Richmond upon Thames
Location	51.46888, -0.31465 (map)
Official record	Historic England list entry 1357729

Planning works on this listed building?

Planium checks which consents Richmond upon Thames will require for your works on Kew Observatory, lists what the heritage statement must cover and drafts the application text.

Ask Planium what consent you need

What the grade means for works

Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest — only about 2.5% of listed buildings in England. Any application for listed building consent is notified to Historic England, and alterations are scrutinised closely.

The protection covers the whole building, inside and out, plus fixtures and attached structures. Typical works that need consent: replacing windows or doors, removing walls or historic fabric, changing roof coverings, installing solar panels or external insulation, and adding extensions.

Listed buildings near Kew Observatory

Name	Grade	Distance
Three Obelisks on River Bank of River Thames	II	286 m
Former Stable Block to Gordon House	II	676 m
Gordon House Maria Grey Training College	II*	686 m
Richmond Baths, Old Deer Park	II	729 m
Richmond Footbridge, Lock and Sluices	II*	739 m
Pembroke Villas	II	838 m
The Virginals	II	846 m
8-13, Old Palace Lane	II	857 m
Pavilion at Richmond Athletic Ground	II	860 m
Richmond Railway Bridge and Approach Viaduct	II	877 m

Frequently asked questions

Is Kew Observatory listed?

Yes. Kew Observatory is on the National Heritage List for England as a Grade I listed building, list entry number 1357729, first listed on 10 January 1950. The full list entry with its description and map is on Historic England’s website.

Do I need consent for works to Kew Observatory?

Works that affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest — inside or out — need listed building consent from Richmond upon Thames, in addition to any planning permission or building regulations approval. Like-for-like repairs often do not, but confirm with the council’s conservation officer before you start.

Source: National Heritage List for England, © Historic England 2026, via planning.data.gov.uk. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right. Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Retrieved 12 October 2026. Local authority assigned from the list entry point. This page is a summary — the legal record is the official list entry.