Long case clock

General information

Long case clock is a type of clock. It is also called as grandfather clock or floor clock. Basically it's a freestanding pendulum clock and its pendulum is situated inside its own tower. As far as its height is concern, its normal height is around 1.8-2.4m (6-8 feet). The tower often features highly carved wood at the top, which surrounds the clock face. The English clockmaker Mr. William Clement enjoys the credit for the development of this type of clock. He did the same in 1670. Most of the long case clocks look attractive. These are also called as grandfather, grandmother, or granddaughter clocks. Although there is no specifically defined difference between these clocks but the general opinion seems to be that a clock over 1.8m (6 feet) is called a grandfather; over 1.5m (5 feet) is called grandmother and smaller than that is called as granddaughter clock.

These types of clocks were made in two types. First was called as eight-day and the second was called as 30- hour clocks. The second one was cheaper than the first one. An eight-day clock was designed to be wound once a week, while the 30-hour clock had to be wound every day.

Story of long case clocks came to be known as "grandfather clocks"

In 19th century, there were two brothers named Jenkins. They worked as managers at the George Hotel in Piercebridge (Country Durham) in England. One of them died and according to the story told to Henry Clay Work in 1875, the clock (made by James Thompson) began to lose time. Many attempts to repair that were made but had no outcome. After the death (at the age of 90) of other brother, the clock stopped running altogether and no one repaired that in the memory of the brothers. Work did write a song about the tale of that clock. He gave the name "My Grandfather's Clock" to that story. The song got popularity and it is from that song that the current usage derives. These clocks are not just for figuring out the time but they are decorative pieces that do enhance the beauty of our houses.

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