For 50 years, a London woman made a living selling the correct time.

As recently as 1939, a London woman made her living by setting her watch precisely at the Greenwich observatory and "carrying the time" to her customers in the city. In this week's episode of the Futility Closet podcast we'll meet Ruth Belville, London's last time carrier, who conducted her strange occupation for 50 years.

We'll also sample the colorful history of bicycle races and puzzle over a stymied prizewinner.

Show notes

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