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HorologyThe foundation of the Royal Observatory, in 1675, was expressly to discover a method for finding longitude, and this astronomical research required the use of very accurate clocks. As it turned out, the solution to the longitude problem, found in the 18th century, proved to be a highly accurate portable clock, later to be termed a Marine Chronometer. The Observatory then took on the role of testing and issuing these instruments to the Royal Navy. Owing to the rapidly developing railway and electric telegraph systems in 19th century Britain, the need for an accurate and comprehensive distribution of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) for the nation became a priority for the Observatory. Thus, the fundamental horological connection with maritime studies can be summarised as Precision Timekeeping. Browse the entire collection or: View by:
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