Notes & Queries Archive
REPLY1850

Mariner's Compass

By O. P. Q.

The "fleur de lis" was made the ornament of the northern radius of the mariner's compass in compliment to Charles of Anjou (whose device it was), the reigning king of Sicily, at the time when Flavio Gioja, the Neapolitan, first employed that instrument in navigation.

Topics: Mariner's Compass, Navigation

Locations: Sicily, Neapolitan