Ruth Belville

Elizabeth Ruth Naomi Belville, born on March 5, 1854, in London, was a pioneering businesswoman and horologist, famously known as the Greenwich Time Lady. She was part of a family legacy that transformed the way people perceived and synchronized time.

Alongside her mother, Maria Elizabeth, and her father, John Henry, Ruth engaged in a unique business model that involved selling the time. Each day, they meticulously set their watch to Greenwich Mean Time, as indicated by the iconic Greenwich clock, allowing customers to adjust their own timepieces accordingly.

Ruth's innovative approach not only provided a vital service to the public but also established her as a notable figure in the realm of timekeeping. Her dedication to precision and customer service made her a respected merchant in her field.

Ruth Belville's legacy continued until her passing on December 7, 1943, leaving behind a remarkable story of entrepreneurship and the importance of time in everyday life.