New Visitor Centre display reveals story of a nineteenth-century sextant

Used by sailors to measure the angle between the horizon and a celestial object such as the sun, moon or planet and star, the sextant was an essential navigational tool at sea. Through the display, visitors can learn how it was made and used at sea, and discover the skilled craftspeople, specialist instrument makers and scientific institutions that supported Britain’s maritime world. 

The sextant also opens up wider stories about naval education, exploration and the people connected with Greenwich. Captain Guy Plantagenet Bigg-Wither served in the Royal Navy during a period of significant change and later became Deputy Director of the first Royal Navy Staff College at Greenwich, making his collection an important link between the history of the Royal Navy and the Old Royal Naval College. 

By focusing on a single object, the display shows how collections care, research and learning can bring maritime history to life. From cataloguing and conservation to the study of rare primary sources, this work helps uncover richer stories about Greenwich, its naval past and the people connected with the site. 

We are grateful that the acquisition of this collection was made possible thanks to the support of Tony Hales CBE.

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