Greenvile Collins

Nautical chart by Collins (1698) showing the North Sea from the Thames Estuary (left) to the Wash (right)

Greenvile Collins was a notable figure in the history of British maritime navigation and cartography during the late 17th century. His work significantly contributed to the safety and efficiency of naval and merchant marine navigation around the British Isles.

Early Life

The early life of Greenvile Collins is not extensively documented. He was born in the mid-17th century, a period when England was undergoing significant political and social changes. His interest in the sea and navigation likely stemmed from the maritime traditions of Britain, a nation heavily reliant on its naval and merchant fleets.

Career

Greenvile Collins is best known for his appointment by Charles II in 1681 as His Majesty's Hydrographer. This role was pivotal in the development of accurate maritime charts. At the time, the British Isles and their surrounding waters were poorly mapped, leading to frequent shipwrecks and losses.

Collins was tasked with conducting a thorough survey of the coasts of Great Britain, a monumental task that had not been undertaken with such rigor before. Over the next seven years, Collins and his team sailed around Britain, meticulously charting the coastline, documenting hazards, and measuring depths.

Great Britain's Coasting Pilot

The culmination of Collins' work was the publication of Great Britain's Coasting Pilot in 1693. This atlas was the first systematic hydrographic survey of the coast of Great Britain and is considered a landmark in the history of British cartography. It contained detailed charts of the coasts, information on tides, soundings, and navigational hazards, significantly improving the safety of maritime navigation.

Great Britain's Coasting Pilot was not only a technical achievement but also an artistic one. The charts were accompanied by engravings and descriptions that provided a wealth of information for mariners. The atlas was well-received and remained in use for many years, with subsequent editions being published to update its contents.

Legacy

Greenvile Collins' contributions to maritime navigation and safety were profound. His meticulous work laid the foundation for modern hydrography in Britain and set standards for future maritime surveys. The Great Britain's Coasting Pilot continued to be an essential tool for navigators well into the 18th century, long after Collins' death.

Collins' legacy is also preserved in the names of geographical features and in the collections of maritime museums, where original copies of his charts and atlases are highly prized. His pioneering work exemplifies the importance of accurate cartographic surveys and their role in enhancing maritime safety and commerce.

Death

Greenvile Collins passed away in the early 18th century, leaving behind a legacy that would forever change the landscape of British maritime navigation. His exact date of death is not well-documented, but his contributions continue to be celebrated in the fields of cartography and navigation.