The Incredible History Of Timekeeping In England And Wales - From 1300 to 1800

Throughout history, mankind has always been fascinated by the concept of time. From the ancient civilizations to the modern era, time has played a crucial role in our lives. In the context of England and Wales, the evolution of timekeeping devices and practices has been truly remarkable.

The Advent of Mechanical Clocks

During the 14th century, mechanical clocks began to emerge in England and Wales. These clocks, unlike their sundial and water clock predecessors, relied on gears and weights to measure time. The of mechanical clocks revolutionized timekeeping, allowing for more accurate and consistent measurements.

The Salisbury Cathedral Clock, one of the oldest surviving mechanical clocks in England, is a testament to the ingenuity of medieval clockmakers. Constructed in the 1380s, this clock boasted an impressive six-foot dial and a striking mechanism that sounded bells every hour. This magnificent timekeeping device became a symbol of technological progress and the growing interest in timekeeping.

Shaping the Day: A History of Timekeeping in England and Wales 1300-1800

by Paul Glennie(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3948 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	479 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Rise of Pocket Watches

In the 16th century, a new timekeeping innovation took center stage: the pocket watch. As the name suggests, these watches were small and portable, allowing individuals to carry time with them wherever they went. The first pocket watches were introduced to England and Wales by the French in the early 1500s.

Initially, pocket watches were a luxury reserved for the elite. They were intricately designed and often featured precious stones and engravings. However, as technology advanced and production costs decreased, pocket watches became more accessible to the general public.

By the 18th century, pocket watches had become a common accessory among the upper and middle classes. They were favored by gentlemen and were often passed down through generations as valuable heirlooms. The intricate craftsmanship and accuracy of pocket watches made them highly desirable possessions.

of Longcase Clocks

In the late 17th century, longcase clocks, also known as grandfather clocks, were introduced to England. These clocks were tall and had a pendulum mechanism enclosed within a long wooden case. Longcase clocks quickly gained popularity due to their accuracy and elegant designs.

The longcase clocks produced in England during the 18th century were particularly renowned for their high-quality craftsmanship. Firms like Thomas Tompion and George Graham became famous for their exceptional timepieces, which were often displayed in stately homes and royal residences.

The Standardization of Time

Until the late 18th century, time was largely considered a local affair. Each town set its own time, creating a complex and often confusing system. However, with the advent of rail travel and the need for precise timetables, the standardization of time became a necessity.

In 1792, the Royal Observatory in Greenwich was established as the official center for time in England and Wales. The development of the railway network further solidified Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) as the standard time across the country.

With the standardization of time, timekeeping devices became even more essential. The accuracy of clocks and watches became crucial for ensuring punctuality and synchronizing schedules.

The Legacy of Timekeeping

The history of timekeeping in England and Wales from 1300 to 1800 showcases the remarkable progress made in the field. From the early mechanical clocks to the portable pocket watches and elegant longcase clocks, each innovation contributed to our modern understanding and measurement of time.

Today, we take for granted the countless timekeeping devices that surround us, from our wristwatches to our smartphones. However, it is important to remember the rich history and heritage that paved the way for these technological advancements.

So, the next time you glance at your watch or check the time on your phone, spare a thought for the ingenious clockmakers and watchmakers of England and Wales who dedicated their lives to perfecting the art of timekeeping.

Shaping the Day: A History of Timekeeping in England and Wales 1300-1800

by Paul Glennie(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3948 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	479 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Timekeeping is an essential activity in the modern world, and we take it for granted that our lives are shaped by the hours of the day. Yet what seems so ordinary today is actually the extraordinary outcome of centuries of technical innovation and circulation of ideas about time.

Shaping the Day is a pathbreaking study of the practice of timekeeping in England and Wales between 1300 and 1800. Drawing on many unique historical sources, ranging from personal diaries to housekeeping manuals, Paul Glennie and Nigel Thrift illustrate how a particular kind of common sense about time came into being, and how it developed during this period.

Many remarkable figures make their appearance, ranging from the well-known, such as Edmund Halley, Samuel Pepys, and John Harrison, who solved the problem of longitude, to less familiar characters, including sailors, gamblers, and burglars.

Overturning many common perceptions of the past-for example, that clock time and the industrial revolution were intimately related-this unique historical study will engage all readers interested in how 'telling the time' has come to dominate our way of life.