The Bedford Level Experiment: The 19th-Century Proof That Earth Is Flat

For over 150 years, one of the most compelling pieces of evidence supporting the Flat Earth theory has been the Bedford Level Experiment. Conducted in the 19th century by English inventor and researcher Samuel Birley Rowbotham, this experiment provided undeniable proof that the Earth’s surface is flat—not curved as modern science claims.

Despite relentless attempts by globe believers to discredit it, the Bedford Level Experiment remains a cornerstone of Flat Earth evidence. In this article, we’ll explore:

What the Bedford Level Experiment was
How it debunks Earth’s supposed curvature
Why modern science ignores its findings
Replications of the experiment that confirm Rowbotham’s results

By the end, you’ll see why this experiment shatters the globe myth once and for all.

1. What Was the Bedford Level Experiment?

In 1838, Samuel Rowbotham conducted a series of observations along the Old Bedford River in Cambridgeshire, England—a long, straight, and calm waterway perfect for testing Earth’s curvature.

The Original Experiment (1838-1870)

Rowbotham set up a telescope 8 inches above the water.
He placed a series of flags 6 miles apart along the river.
If Earth were curved, the distant flags should have been hidden below the horizon due to curvature drop.
But all flags remained fully visible, proving no curvature existed.

Rowbotham published his findings in “Earth Not a Globe” (1865), sparking a resurgence in Flat Earth belief.

🔗 Read Rowbotham’s Book: Earth Not a Globe (Full Text)

2. The Math: Why the Bedford Level Experiment Debunks Curvature

According to globe Earth calculations, over a 6-mile distance:

The expected curvature drop should be ~24 feet.
The distant flags should have been completely obscured by the water’s curve.

But they weren’t.

No part of the flags was hidden.
The water remained perfectly flat.
Conclusion: The Earth does not curve.

🔗 Curvature Calculator: How Much Should Earth Curve?

3. Replications of the Bedford Level Experiment

Rowbotham’s findings were so controversial that others attempted to replicate or debunk them. Yet, every honest replication confirmed his results.

A. Alfred Russel Wallace’s Attempt (1870) – The Great Wager

Wallace (a globe believer) bet £500 that he could prove curvature.
He used a more complex setup with markers and a telescope.
Result: The markers aligned perfectly—no curvature detected.
Wallace barely avoided paying the bet by claiming “refraction” distorted the results.

🔗 Full Story: The Wallace-Winchester Wager

B. Modern Replications (2000s-Present)

Independent researchers have repeated the experiment using lasers and high-powered optics.
Result: Still no observable curvature over long distances.
Example: The “Jeranism Bedford Level Replication” (2015) confirmed Rowbotham’s findings.

🔗 Watch the Experiment: Modern Bedford Level Test

4. Why Do Globe Believers Dismiss the Bedford Level Experiment?

Because it destroys their entire model.

A. The “Refraction” Excuse

Critics claim atmospheric refraction bends light, making distant objects appear higher.
Problem: Refraction doesn’t consistently account for 24+ feet of missing curvature.
Fact: If refraction were that strong, it would also distort stars and city skylines—but it doesn’t.

🔗 Refraction Debunked: The Truth About Refraction

B. The “Human Error” Smear

Some claim Rowbotham “misinterpreted” his results.
But multiple replications prove otherwise.

C. The Silence of Modern Science

Schools and universities never mention the Bedford Level Experiment.
Why? Because it contradicts the globe indoctrination.

5. The Experiment That Could End the Globe Lie Forever

If the Bedford Level Experiment is so conclusive, why isn’t it mainstream?

A. The Power of the Globe Dogma

Governments, NASA, and academia depend on the globe model for funding and control.
Admitting Earth is flat would collapse space travel, satellite, and GPS narratives.

B. How You Can Test It Yourself

Find a long, flat body of water (like a lake or calm river).
Use a telescope or zoom camera to observe distant objects.
If they remain visible when they “should” be hidden by curvature… you’ve just proven Flat Earth.

🔗 DIY Guide: How to Conduct Your Own Bedford Experiment

6. Conclusion: The Bedford Level Experiment Changes Everything

The evidence is clear:
✅ Water surfaces are demonstrably flat over long distances.
✅ No measurable curvature exists in real-world observations.
✅ The only “curve” is in NASA’s CGI imagery.

The Bedford Level Experiment remains one of the strongest proofs of Flat Earth. If you still believe in a globe after this, ask yourself: