The  refractor had to be modified slightly to fit the Mills dome, and the dew-cap cannot safely be used. However, it proved to be a much superior instrument for public viewing than the old Newtonian reflector. Originally built in 1871 it was, at one time, privately owned by Walter Goodacre, president of the British Astronomical Association (BAA), who lived in the village of Four Marks, near Winchester.
The refractor required minor modifications to fit the Mills dome and could not use its dew-cap safely. Nevertheless, it outperformed the old Newtonian reflector for public viewing purposes. Originally constructed in 1871, it was once privately owned by Walter Goodacre, president of the British Astronomical Association (BAA), who lived in Four Marks, near Winchester.