|
|
 |
Lyttelton Timeball Station - Historic Places Trust
|
|
Attraction
- Christchurch
- Lyttelton |
More Information
|
| Price: | Starting from NZ $7 per adult |
Like a Scottish castle dominating the scenic port of Lyttelton, the Timeball Station is one of the few of its kind left in the world.
From 1876 to 1934 a ball dropped from its mast on its stone tower, signalling the time to ships in Lyttelton Harbour. Visual time signals were important features of many of the world's ports, being necessary to correct ships' chronometers and ensure accurate navigation. The timeball apparatus came from the well-known German firm Siemens Bros, and the astronomical clock from Edward Dent & Co. of London, who had made the Big Ben clock. Use of the timeball was discontinued in 1934 when it was replaced by radio signals, though flag signals continued until 1941. The flags, which predated the Timeball Station, were used on the flagstaff nearby to signal to ships and to communicate shipping advice to the town.
A fine example of Victorian technology, the Timeball Station is today one of only five in the world known to be still in working order. It is a rare piece of maritime history, fabulously restored and boasting spectacular views over Lyttelton Harbour.
Guided tours are available by arrangement, and maybe customised to your requirements. Contact the Property Manager to discuss your requirements and to arrange a convenient time. We would be delighted to work with you to develop a programme suited to the ages and interests of your group.
Opening Hours
Daily 10 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.
Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.
The timeball is dropped at 1 p.m. every day the Timeball Station is open.
History
The safety of a ship and its crew depends upon having an accurate knowledge of their position on the ocean.
Latitude (angular distance north or south from the equator) had been easily assessed for centuries by using an astrolabe, or later, a sextant. Longitude could not be accurately calculated until John Harrison invented the chronometer during the eighteenth century. The chronometer permitted ships' navigators to have an accurate reading of Greenwich time no matter where they were in the world, unaffected by ship movements, moisture, or changes in temperature. However, chronometers could accumulate errors of seconds over long voyages, and these inaccuracies could lead to significant miscalculations of distance, thus it was essential to check the accuracy of the chronometer whenever possible.
Visual signals were important features of any port, necessary for communication between ship and shore in pre-radio times. Timeball stations became an important part of many ports during the nineteenth century. Timeballs drop at a known Greenwich time. The first was dropped in Portsmouth, England in 1829.
The first timeball built in New Zealand was in Wellington in 1864, followed by one in Dunedin in 1868. Lyttelton's was the third, and daily from 1876-1934, the dropping of the Lyttelton timeball signalled Greenwich time to shipping in the harbour.
Admission
Adult: $7
Child/Student: $2
Family: $15
|
Address
2 Reserve Terrace
Lyttelton
|
Click Here for More Information
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Gothic Heights - Motel - City.
Gothic Heights offers a great central city location, adjacent to Hagley Park and within walking distance of the Arts...
Tanks for Everything - Attraction - Christchurch - McLeans Island.
Come and experience the ultimate tank driving adventure - and the only place in New Zealand where YOU get to drive a 52...
