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The Espin Telescope was used by the renowned astronomer, the Reverend T.H.E.C. Espin, at his observatory in Tow Law, Country Durham. Espin was a founder member of the British Astronomical Association and discovered numerous nebulae, variable stars, and more than 2,500 double stars throughout his long career. He also conducted extensive spectral observations of stars, with a particular focus on identifying red stars. In December 1910, he discovered a nova in the constellation Lacerta, an object later designated as DI Lacertae.

Espin's telescope fell into disuse after his death in 1930 but was recovered and restored by David Sinden, Optical Shop manager at Grubb Parsons Telescope Company in Newcastle in the mid 1960's. Once rebuilt, the telescope was gifted to the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1972 for use in the undergraduate astronomy programme at the University's Close House facility at Wylam on the outskirts of Newcastle.

Sadly, Newcastle University sold off Close House in 2005 and the observatory containing the Espin telescope was abandoned.

There have been numerous attempts at recovering the telescope though all had failed. However, in 2024, Sir Graham Wiley, who owns Close House, heard about the abandoned telescope and agreed to donate the instrument to Beamish Open Air Museum. As a result, the Espin Telescope Group was established in 2025 to facilitate the move.

Since then, we have worked closely with Close House staff to relocate the instrument. We have been able to recover the primary and secondary mirrors, and most of the telescope infrastructure. The primary mirror has been cleaned and, aside from a few minor cosmetic issues, is in good condition. The telescope mount is in remarkably good condition. Alas, the polar drive requires significant repair work before it can be re-attached to the telescope.

We're seeking funds to help with re-coating the optical surfaces, removing the old observatory domes, site clearance as well as working with Beamish Museum to build a world-class STEM facility, where the telescope will form the central attraction.

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