The anniversaries and myth making
Despite the fact that it was only a milestone on the way, the conference of 1884 has become regarded as the moment when the Prime Meridian came into being. As such, its centenary was celebrated in 1984 and its 125th anniversary in 2009. How this myth came about is unclear, but it may have its origins in an article published in the 1890s by E Walter Maunder, a much-respected member of the Observatory’s staff. Meanwhile, the National Maritime Museum – the present custodian of the Observatory, continues to spin it. What celebrations if any will be organised to commemorate the two centenaries on 1 January 2014 and 1 January 2025? We shall have to wait and see!