Longitude Act of 1714

The Longitude Act of 1714 was a British law that aimed to solve the problem of accurately determining a ship's east-west position at sea, known as longitude. Accurate navigation was crucial for safe and efficient Atlantic crossings, but the lack of reliable methods led to many shipwrecks and lost cargo. The Act established a significant prize, encouraging inventors to develop precise chronometers (marine clocks). John Harrison, an English carpenter and clockmaker, eventually created a reliable watch that helped sailors find their longitude more accurately, greatly improving maritime safety and navigation.