British and Irish Time Signals for General Use

The aim of this chapter is to give a broad perspective of time signals in the British Isles, including signals that were not listed by the Admiralty and were intended for public use. It includes a table showing British and Irish time signals ordered by date of introduction. It is not exhaustive but it illustrates the range of signals that were available in practice. Almost all were either time balls or guns. Selected signals in different regions are described in detail, including reasons for their introduction, sources of funding and operational difficulties. Many were regulated using telegraph signals from Greenwich, but there was not usually a requirement to publish any errors. The total number far exceeded the number listed by the Admiralty for chronometer rating. Time signals that appeared as principal signals in Admiralty lists between 1880 and 1947 are described in more detail in Chap. 10.