John Harrison

Profession: Clockmaker and Inventor

Nationality:

Biography: John Harrison was already a successful clock maker when in 1707 the British naval disaster off the Scilly Isles and the loss of 1400 men prompted the British Government to begin a competition with huge monetary rewards to whoever could invent a reliable way to measure longitude at sea. Harrison's quest to do just that would dominate the rest of his professional life.

Harrison produced his first attempt in 1735, now known as H1. It was subjected to a trial on a return voyage to Lisbon and largely succeeded. Harrison was awarded 500 pounds and asked to build an even better one.

Further attempts followed until Harrison's H4 model was judged successful in 1765 and it was recommended that he be awarded £10,000. Harrison however fell out with the Board of Longitude who refused to accept his full results and insisted on further testing. It was only at the insistence of King George III that Harrison eventually received payment.

Born: March 24, 1693
Birthplace: Foulby, Yorkshire, England
Star Sign: Aries

Died: March 24, 1776 (aged 83)