Astrolabe, by Thomas Gemini, London, 1559 (Inv. 42223)
The Queen's astrolabe
This astrolabe was made for Queen Elizabeth I. It carries her coat-of-arms and the inscription 'Elizabeth Dei Gratia Angliæ Franciæ & Hiberniæ Regina etc.' From later inscriptions we know that the instrument was owned by John Greaves, Savilian Professor of Astronomy in Oxford, and was used by him in a journey to the Levant in 1637-40. It was presented to the University for the use of the Savilian Professors, by John's brother Nicholas Greaves.