Board of Longitude

The Board of Longitude was an organization established in the 18th century in Britain, tasked with solving the problem of determining a ship's longitude at sea. Accurate navigation was crucial for safe and efficient maritime travel, but sailors found it difficult to calculate their east-west position. The Board offered a monetary reward for effective solutions, leading to significant advancements, including the development of accurate marine chronometers by John Harrison. This innovation greatly improved navigational accuracy, enabling safer voyages and stimulating exploration and trade during that era.