Oldest Astro Society

[Clipper Stargazer]

Excluding the Royal Astronomical Society and the BAA, I was wondering where the oldest astronomical society is?  

[Peter Drew]

I think it's a toss up between Manchester and Liverpool.

[Putaendo Patrick]

You will probably find the answer in Allan Chapman's The Victorian Amateur Astronomer (1998). However I think the Leeds Astronomical Society founded in 1859 but which really got got going in 1892. Then came the Liverpool Astronomical Society in 1882. Several other societies also started as regional branches of the BAA and then became independent later.

[Putaendo Patrick]

Peter - I think Manchester started in 1892 as part of the BAA but became independent shortly afterwards. Not 100% certain though!

From the LAS site:

"Liverpool Astronomical Society is arguably the oldest amateur astronomical society in the world. Founded in 1881 the Society has over 130 years of experience behind it and can offer advice on a wide range of related astronomical subjects. We therefore invite members and interested members of the public, young and old, to extend their knowledge and enjoyment of the Science of Astronomy in friendly company."

http://liverpoolas.org/welcome-to-the-liverpool-astronomical-society/

And some history of the Leeds Society:

http://www.astronomyleeds.org.uk/History.html