In the following, you will discover more facts about the “grandfather clock” and other pendulum clocks. Originally, these clocks were called longcase clocks. These clocks, also go by other names. The tall-case clock, grandfather clock or floor clock are some of these names. The longcase clock is generally a freestanding, weight-driven, pendulum clock. The pendulum is in the center of tower (waist) on these ‘tall’ clocks. 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.
The English clockmaker William Clement is credited with the development of this clock form in 1670. Most longcase clocks are striking clocks, which means they sound the time audibly with a bell or gong.
The terms "grandfather", "grandmother", and "granddaughter" in relation to longcase clocks tends to define differences. There is a general perception that a clock smaller than 5 feet is a granddaughter; over 5 feet is a grandmother; and over 6 feet is a grandfather clock.
The introduction of the longcase clock is due to the invention of the anchor escapement mechanism around 1670.
(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. Another escapement introduced by clockmaker George Graham in 1715 is called the deadbeat escapement. This is the mechanism most often used today in pendulum clocks.)
(I’ve read that there is some controversy regarding crediting the introduction of the anchor escapement. Some references credit clockmaker William Clement, who popularized it in his invention of the longcase clock. The anchor escapement was most likely invented by a scientist in Britain, Robert Hooke.)
Hi...I am in class with you and I have just attached to your blog! Nice blog, keep up the great work!
ReplyDelete