The Longitude Act

The Longitude Act, enacted in 1714 by the British Parliament, was a response to the challenge of accurately determining a ship’s east-west position at sea. Because knowing longitude was crucial for navigation and safety, the Act offered a substantial prize—initially £20,000—for anyone who could develop a reliable method. It spurred significant scientific efforts, leading to innovations like the marine chronometer, which allowed sailors to measure longitude precisely. Overall, the Act aimed to improve navigation safety, reduce shipwrecks, and enhance maritime commerce by solving the long-standing problem of determining longitude at sea.