Oct 28

Grandfather Clock: Longcase Clock Factoids

There has always been a grandfather clock in at least one of my family’s homes. I can’t even remember a time growing up without one. My first experience with a Grandfather’s clock was actually ‘my grandfather’s clock’ in the home he had on his farm in Wisconsin. I still remember that pendulum clock in the hall.

I was a suburban kid from Illinois, and remember that old clock singing out in the dark after supper. I have the fondest memories of that clock and the fun times I had visiting the farm with my family. Hard times hit, as they do in the lives of most families. That clock is gone now. So, when I was looking to find a long case clock (my grandfather’s clock) for my home, I was shocked at how expensive they were. This created a desire to learn more about clocks and time keeping in general.

I discovered that there is actually science and innovation in the history of all clocks. It even has its own name, Horology. Horology includes the history, science, technology, design, art, craft and study of clock and watch making, time keeping and time keepers. It also includes other devices for measuring time. Clocks, watches, clockwork, sundials, clepsydras, timers, time recorders and marine chronometers are all illustrations of instruments used to measure time.

(Clepsydra is a new word for me. It is an ancient device that measures time by marking the regulated flow of water or mercury through a small opening. It has also been called a water clock or water glass.)

Originally, clocks that we now refer to as grandfather clocks were called longcase clocks. These clocks go by other names as well; tall-case clock, floor clock are some of these names.

As a definition, the longcase clock is generally a freestanding, weight-driven, pendulum clock. The pendulum is in the center of tower, which is the tall narrow portion. The center is referred to as the waist. These clocks can range in height from 6 to 8 feet. The original longcase clocks, and many of the higher end clocks of today, often feature elaborately carved ornamentation on the hood, or bonnet, which surrounds the dial, or clock face. Most longcase clocks are striking clocks, which means they sound the time audibly with a bell or gong.

The English clockmaker William Clement is credited with the development of this clock form in 1670. I’ve read that there is some controversy regarding crediting the introduction of the anchor escapement. Some references credit clockmaker William Clement, who popularized this escapement in his invention of the longcase clock. The anchor escapement was most likely invented by a scientist in Britain, Robert Hooke.

The introduction of the longcase clock is due to the invention of the anchor escapement mechanism. (An escapement is the mechanism in a mechanical clock that maintains the swing of the pendulum and advances the clock’s wheels with each swing. An anchor escapement is a type of escapement used in pendulum clocks.

Prior to that, pendulum clock movements used verge escapement mechanisms; this required very wide pendulum swings of about 100 degrees. I will be going more in depth into the swing of the pendulum and escapement mechanisms in future articles.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Illinois USA. I’m traveling the path to a new interesting and intricate hobby, Horology. I’m looking forward to learning and sharing knowledge.

www.grandfatherclocksforhome.blogspot.com Keep up to date on my travels through the study of time keeping; Comments very welcome

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