A look at the history of Mount Snever Observatory, Oldstead, with Dr Emma Wells

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History • May 23rd, 2025

Mount Snever Observatory, also known as Oldstead Tower, sits proudly upon a ridge near the village of Oldstead, between Helmsley and Thirsk.

Built in 1838 by J. Dodds for John Wormald, it commemorates the first year of Queen Victoria’s reign. An inscription on the tower reads:

JOHN WORMALD IN THE FIRST YEAR OF THE REIGN OF QUEEN VICTORIA CAUSED THIS OBSERVATORY TO BE ERECTED. J. DODDS BUILDER

Construction began in October 1837 on Snever Point during which the discovery of a human skeleton was made, adding to local intrigue about the site. The observatory was completed in time for Queen Victoria’s coronation on 28 June 1838, marked by a celebration for the entire village culminating in a 21-gun salute. A second inscription quotes adapted lines from Alexander Pope’s Windsor Forest, reflecting themes of nature, peace, and royal loyalty.

The identity of the owner, John Wormald, was long uncertain. He was John Smith Wormald, son of Samuel Wormald, Lord Mayor of York in 1809. The family was associated with tanning and timber, and Wormald’s Cut, a branch of the River Foss, was named after them. John retained ties to the family business. He also held directorships, including at the Yorkshire Fire and Life Insurance Company, and was active in local railway development and liberal politics.

In 1829, Wormald purchased Oldstead, likely drawn by its suitability for hunting and scenic views of Byland Abbey. He improved the estate and celebrated the Reform Act of 1832 with a dedicated inscription. Wormald died in 1848; his art and book collection were auctioned shortly before the estate was listed for sale.

By 1853, the tower appeared on Ordnance Survey maps as ‘Mount Snever Observatory’. Though public access was allowed in the 19th century, by 1871 the building was already in decay. It was abandoned for decades until restoration work came in the late 20th century by Noel Appleby, then again by the Prest family around 2000.

The limestone ashlar tower stands about 35 feet tall with a single cell and front platform. Once offering panoramic views, it is now surrounded by trees, locked, and inaccessible—its original function as a belvedere sadly lost.

Address: Mount Snever Observatory, Oldstead, York YO61 4BL, United Kingdom