The handlers of time - The Belville family and the Royal Observatory, 1811-1939

Although some families have produced several distinguished scientists in re lated fields in succeeding generations, it is a rare phenomenon. It is even loss common for such continuity to be recorded in supporting roles. The st ory of the Belvilles is one such example. This paper documents the work of John Henry at the Royal Observatory, under John Pond and George Airy, inclu ding the initiation of the manual distribution of time to the makers of chr onometers in London. After his death, his widow Maria Elizabeth continued t o distribute the Greenwich Time, a job continued after her death by their d aughter, Ruth. Together, the family was associated with the Royal Observato ry and the distribution of Greenwich Time from 1811 to 1939.