History of the Grandfather Clock

If asked if they knew what a grandfather clock is, most people would respond with a definite yes. Grandfather clocks are widely known throughout the world, and at one point in time owning one helped to define a person's upper class status.

The history of the grandfather clock starts believe it or not with Galileo. In 1582, he discovered that it was possible to tell time by swinging a pendulum. Fast forward a century to 1656 and Dutch scientist Christian Huygens became the first person to actually use a pendulum as the driving device inside a clock. However, it was a Dutch clock maker by the name of William Clement who realized that by making the pendulum longer time would become more accurate.

The only problem to this newest development was that a clock did not exist that was long enough to fit the pendulum. So in 1670, Clement built the first “long-case” clock then also known as a floor clock and a coffin clock. The usage of “grandfather clock” would not begin until 1876.

Supposedly, two brothers known only as Jenkins, who owned and operated the George Hotel in rural North Yorkshire, England, had a long-cased clock in the lobby of the hotel. The clock was said to keep perfect time until one of the brothers died. Then, no matter what, the clock would never keep the correct time again – always running behind. It did not matter how many clock smiths were brought in to fix it. It would only go slower.

When the surviving brother reached the age of ninety, he too passed away. On that very day the clock in the lobby stopped right along with the remaining brothers heart. The clock was said to have shown the exact minute the brother died.

Years later American songwriter Henry Clay Work visited the hotel. He learned the story of the two brothers and the clock that sat in the lobby. He was so touched that he wrote a song called “My Grandfather's Clock.” It became a popular song and long-cased clocks have been referred to this name ever since.

Merritt's Antique Clock Shop has a wide selection of fine American and European novelty and antique clocks at great prices. They are also a leading clock part supplier providing a way for hobbyist and repairmen to find all needed tools, books, and supplies.