At the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, located in southeast London, a significant chapter in the history of timekeeping unfolded. Elinor Evans from HistoryExtra, alongside Senior Curator Louise Devoy, explores how a collaboration among astronomers, mathematicians, and powerful nations led to the establishment of Greenwich Mean Time, commonly known as GMT.
Before the advent of smartphones and digital clocks, time was largely a local matter, which often resulted in confusion and chaos. The need for a standardized time system became increasingly pressing as global navigation and communication expanded.
The story of GMT includes pivotal innovations such as the Observatory Time Ball, a device that signaled the exact time each day, and the Shepherd Motor Clock, which helped ensure accurate timekeeping. Additionally, the work of George Biddell Airy, who defined the Prime Meridian, was crucial in establishing a global standard.
The efforts to solve the problem of determining longitude at sea were integral to the development of GMT. This endeavor was not only about creating a reliable time system for navigation but also about laying the groundwork for the definition of time zones across the globe.
The evolution of timekeeping practices from chaotic local times to the universally accepted GMT illustrates humanity”s quest to master the concept of time. For those interested in learning more about this fascinating history, a visit to the Royal Observatory offers an enlightening experience.
