WHAT:
Establishment of The National Physical Laboratory
WHERE:
Hampton Rd, Teddington, TW11 0LW, UK
LOCATION:
WHEN:
1st January 1900
WHO:
First Director Richard Tetley Glazebrook FRS
DETAILS:
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the United Kingdom’s national measurement standards laboratory, providing accuracy and consistency in scientific and industrial measurements. Established in 1900, NPL is one of the world’s oldest metrology institutes and has contributed to significant scientific milestones. Its work includes advances in early computers, the creation of the first accurate atomic clock, and the development of packet switching technology that became a foundation of the internet. NPL is located in Bushy Park, Teddington and is operated by NPL Management Ltd under the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. It is also one of the largest government research facilities in the country.
LINKS:
THIS SITE IN THE NEWS
The National Physical Laboratory Teddington – Garden Party 13th September 2025
The National Physical laboratory was set up 125 years ago. It has gone on to nurture an incredible array of scientists and researchers with some world changing inventions to their names. On the 13th of September there will be no fewer than FOUR World Origin Site plaques on display before they are put up permanently. Four is an incredible achievement but there are more already in discussion. Here are their first four plaques fresh from the foundry. See link to book for this event
