29th March 2022
Discover more about the science of the Guildhall Greenwich Time Ball with a hands-on, multisensory Time Ball Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) pod.
On display at Hull Central Children’s Library until Tuesday 19 April, the pod explains how the clock works and its maritime significance. It also talks about John Harrison’s H4 chronometer and how it was pivotal in maritime navigation. He is one of the main topics in our interactive pod, as together, his invention and the Time Ball revolutionised sea travel and safety.
Hull’s Guildhall Greenwich Time Ball is the highest in the UK and the only such timepiece on a municipal building. It reflects the importance of maritime timekeeping, and the role of fixing longitude for accurate navigation and was vital for ships and accurate navigation in the Humber.
Tracy Toner, Hull City Council’s Assistant Project Manager, said: “The Guildhall Greenwich Time Ball played a vital role for ships in the Humber. Our interactive STEM pod tells this story through hands-on, multi-sensory learning. This exciting resource will teach the fascinating history of the Guildhall Greenwich Time Ball across the city as we strive to retell the stories of Hull’s proud maritime history.”
You can visit the Time Ball pod at Central Library during the following opening times.
Monday: 9.30am – 5pm
Tuesday: 9.30am – 5pm
Wednesday: 1 – 7.30pm
Thursday: 9.30am – 7.30pm
Friday: 9.30am – 1pm
Saturday: 10am – 4pm
The restoration of the Guildhall Greenwich Time Ball is funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
