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Tide and Time [logo]Tide and Time
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  • Discover
  • Exhibition
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  • Tidal Science explained
    • Tide Talks – Liverpool Tidal Institute 100th Anniversary
  • History of Tidal Science in Liverpool
  • Tide Predicting Machines
    • Military importance
    • Tidal predictions for the D-Day landings
  • Local heroes
    • Arthur Doodson 1890–1968
    • Joseph Proudman 1888–1975
    • William Hutchinson 1715–1801
    • Jeremiah Horrocks 1618–1641
  • Bibliography

Welcome to the Tide & Time exhibition

The Tide & Time exhibition is currently closed due to maintenance on the tide prediction machines. The exhibition will reopen later in 2023.

  • Tide Predicting Machines

    Tide Predicting Machines are analogue computers designed to simulate the rise and fall of the ocean tide. Find out more about them and the fascinating history of their use.

  • Tidal Science explained

    Many of us know that tides are linked to movements of the moon and sun. But what is the mechanism, and how is it possible to predict water levels at any location?

  • Visit the exhibition

    Tide & Time is open to the public once a month. You can book a visit to see the remarkable Roberts-Légé and Doodson-Légé machines in Liverpool.

  • Local heroes

    Jeremiah Horrocks observed the transit of Venus in 1639 and made tidal measurements at Toxteth, Liverpool in 1640.

  • Local heroes

    William Hutchinson, Dockmaster at Liverpool and former privateer, measured heights and times of high waters during 1764–1793.

  • Tidal predict­ions for D-Day

    The Roberts-Légé was one of two Tide Predicting Machines used during planning of the Normandy landings in WWII.

Tide & Time exhibition

The exhibition is housed at the National Oceanography Centre, Liverpool.

The Tide Predicting Machines are owned by National Museums Liverpool and very kindly loaned to the exhibition.

National Museums Liverpool logoNational Oceanography Centre logo

National Oceanography Centre

  • Plan a visit
  • Tide Predicting Machines
  • Tidal Science
  • History of Tidal Science in Liverpool
  • Further reading

Contact us

Tide & Time exhibition
National Oceanography Centre
Joseph Proudman Building
6 Brownlow Street
Liverpool L3 5DA, UK

Telephone: +44 (0)151 795 4800

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