The History of Grandfather Clocks

Humans have been keeping track of time throughout the ages using everything from hourglasses to sundials. During the second half of the 13th century, the very first mechanical clocks were developed. These early clocks were huge contraptions made with heavy iron frames and large gears, usually placed in church towers and striking the church bell on the top of each hour.

Enhancements led to an hour hand and the ability of the clocks to strike every quarter-hour. Eventually, during the first half of the 15th century, personal clocks started to appear. As time progressed, these clocks became a popular fixture in the homes of the upper classes, especially grandfather clocks.

Galileo was first credited with the discovery that a pendulum could be used to keep time. This led to Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens developing the first pendulum clock, the prototype for the grandfather clock. These clocks hung on walls and were affectionately entitled "wags-on-the-wall" due to their short pendulums. In the mid-1600's, English clockmakers introduced a clock which was even closer to today's grandfather clock known as the "long case" clock, which was nearly 6 feet long with a 10-inch pendulum.
By 1670, an even longer pendulum was used, various changes were incorporated, and the first grandfather clock was produced. The advancements resulted in an increase in precision that meant the clocks held time to within a few seconds variance per week. This was the start of the popularity of grandfather clocks due to their ability to keep time so accurately.

A minute hand was added, and eventually a glass front was introduced to better display the internal workings of the pendulum, chains, and weights. These lovely timepieces were not referred to as grandfather clocks but rather were called "long case" clocks or "floor" clocks until nearly 1900. Throughout these early years, grandfather clocks were made almost exclusively for people of noble heritage. Though produced in America since the late 1600's, it was not until the 19th century that grandfather clocks became affordable for everyone.

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