British Board of Longitude

The British Board of Longitude, established in 1714, was an organization created to solve the problem of finding a precise method for determining a ship's longitude at sea. Accurate longitude measurement was crucial for safe and efficient navigation worldwide. The board funded research and experiments, eventually supporting innovations like the marine chronometer—an accurate clock crucial for navigation. Its efforts significantly advanced maritime safety, contributing to improved navigation techniques and, ultimately, the expansion of global exploration and trade.