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Institution

Board of Longitude

A grand interior features a large clock above an arched doorway, with ornate architectural details and chandeliers casting light through stained glass windows.

The body of admirals, mathematicians and astronomers convened in 1714 to administer the longitude prize. Its membership included the Astronomer Royal ex officio, which gave the lunar-distance camp a permanent voice. The Board ran for 114 years, evaluated hundreds of proposals, and was wound up in 1828 once marine chronometers had become routine.

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