Timeball Tower, Deal
Learn about signalling and time keeping, life in the Royal Navy and smuggling from the four floors of exhibits housed in this iconic Grade II listed tower.
Until 1927, the timeball on the tower was linked to the Royal Observatory at Greenwich by electric telegraph wires. At 1pm a signal was sent to all timeball towers to synchronise the drop of the ball. Ships anchored off Deal could then synchronise their chronometers, essential for navigation.
Today, the Timeball Is programmed to drop every day at 1pm. Additionally, during the summer season the ball drops hourly from 9am to 5pm. The Timeball also drops at midnight on New Years’ Eve.
Previously the tower had been used to send information to other stations along the Kent and Sussex coast by semaphore signal as part of the coastal smuggling blockade, before which a shutter telegraph station stood on the site.
Historic Periods
Victorian (1837-1901), Edwardian (1901-1914), World Wars (1914-1945)Opening Times
* Easter, Friday 7th to Monday 10th April:
11:30am to 4:30pm
* Spring, 29th April to 28th May:
except 6th & 8th May inclusive (Coronation weekend):
Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30am to 4:30pm
* Summer season, 1st June to 1st October:
Wednesday to Sunday inclusive; 11:30am to 4:30pm.
* Public Holidays, Mondays 1st and 29th May, 28th August:
11:30am to 4:30pm.
E-Badge
Even if you can’t visit our site, you can earn our e-badge by then logging in and entering the code revealed on the Wheels of Time My E-badges page.
Cost
Adults £3.00,
Children 5 and over and Students £2.00,
Children under 5 free.
More Information
Telephone:01304 362444
Website: http://www.dealtimeball.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100045428845990
Not a Kent Children’s University Destination
Facilities
Public toilets nearby, Shop, Parking nearbyAddress
Prince of Wales Terrace, Deal
CT14 7BP