 Mr. Skidmore, who had for many years been interested in astronomy, supervised the rebuilding of the tower, re-pointing the brickwork and raising the parapet by approximately and adding to the crenellations, so that it could be converted into an astronomical observatory.The floors were relaid with concrete on the oak beams, intending the construction to be more solid than before, and new stairs were built.George Skidmore then installed a large equatorial refracting telescope, which consisted of a lens, view finder, and a clockwork motor drive whereby it was possible to set the telescope on any star and ensure that it would be followed in its course across the heavens.