As a clockmaker, Harrison invented the Marine chronometer, which kept time at sea. This meant that for the first time the crew could calculate their latitude.
He was born in West Yorkshire in the town of Foulby. He was born in 1693 and lived to be 83.
He was well known for: Automata Clockmaking
Harrison was a self-educated English carpenter and clockmaker who invented the marine chronometer, a long-sought-after device for solving the problem of calculating longitude while at sea.
Harrisons solution revolutionised navigation and greatly increased the safety of long-distance sea travel. The problem he solved was considered so important following the Scilly naval disaster of 1707that the British Parliament offered financial rewards of up to £20,000 (equivalent to £3.09 million in 2019) under the 1714 Longitude Act.
In 1730, Harrison presented his first design, and worked over many years on improved designs, making several advances in time-keeping technology, finally turning to what were called sea watches. Harrison gained support from the Longitude Board in building and testing his designs. Toward the end of his life, he received recognition and a reward from Parliament.