Greenwich UK - Home of Historic Prime Meridian

Greenwich Meridian, Cutty Sark and the The Royal Observatory

Feb 26, 2007

Greenwich is famous all over the world as the home of the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time. At the Royal Observatory you can stand on the Prime Meridian line.

The best way to get there is via the Thames on one of the many sightseeing boats which leave from various points along the river. As your boat nears its destination the rigging of the Cutty Sark looms into view.

Greenwich - The Cutty Sark

Built in 1869 after the design of the American clippers, the Cutty Sark was meant to bring tea from China to England but her days as a working clipper were numbered. The Suez Canal, which only steamships could navigate, was built in the same year and the Cutty Sark could not compete. Although she now stands in dry dock it's not hard to imagine the days when she bucked her way through gigantic waves, with ships' boys scrambling up her rigging. She is the only surviving fully-rigged clipper in the world.

Note: The Cutty Sark was devastated by fire in May,2007. Restoration is under way. Please be aware, when planning your visit that the ship accessible to the public. Visitors can see aspects of the conservation project and learn about the ship's fascinating history in a temporary exhibition adjacent to the site.

Rounding the bend to Greenwich Pier the twin towers of the magnificent Royal Naval College dominate the view. Nelson's body lay in state here after he was killed at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and thousands of people flocked to pay tribute to him. On this same site stood a favourite royal palace of the Tudors where Henry VIII was born and which became his favourite residence. His wife, Anne Boleyn, gave birth to Elizabeth I here and shortly afterwards Anne's death warrant was signed by dear Henry.

History is all around you in Greenwich but more recent events have their place here too. On the pier, near the Cutty Sark, is the sailing ketch Gipsy Moth IV in which Sir Francis Chichester made his solo circumnavigation of the world in 1966-7. This would be an amazing feat for any vessel but for one as as small as Gipsy Moth IV it's mind-boggling.

The Royal Observatory, at the top of the park, provides panoramic views of London and is the home of Greenwich Mean Time. The Greenwich Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time are world famous. The Meridian is the zero degree longitude line on which all navigators base their calculations. For centuries longitude at sea was measured by taking observations of the positions of the stars, but in the 1880's the development of world communications made it essential for all countries to agree on a zero meridian for longitude and time. Greenwich was chosen because almost three quarters of the world's ships already had the Greenwich Meridian on their charts. You can stand astride the Meridian with a foot in each hemisphere - east and west.

The beautifully proportioned Queen's House, designed by Inigo Jones in the 17th century is his earliest surviving work and the first Palladian villa in England.

Greenwich - The Town

Greenwich, however, is not only for the nautically-minded. It is well known for its antique shops and one of the best antique/flea markets in London is held here on Saturdays and Sundays. The market stalls carry everything from period fashion-wear to antique furniture. It's fun to browse and there are bargains to be found if you look for them.

In the town there are plenty of interesting shops. It's a pleasant place in which to wander and there are lots of interesting pubs. By the river is the Trafalgar Tavern, which was built in 1837 and has had many famous customers, one of whom was Charles Dickens who used it as the setting for a scene in one of his novels. 'Our Mutual Friend' In a little lane (Crane Street) just behind the Trafalgar Tavern is another good pub, the Yacht Tavern, and if you continue along the riverside walk you'll reach the Cutty Sark pub which dates from 1695 and has outside seats overlooking the river.

If you don't wish to return by boat there are buses to take you back to the West End or you can take a Network South East train to Waterloo Station.

The copyright of the article Greenwich UK - Home of Historic Prime Meridian in Historical Travel is owned by Cathy Smith. Permission to republish Greenwich UK - Home of Historic Prime Meridian in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.