Time Telling through the AgesBrearley, Harry Chase
History
Time Telling through the Ages
Brearley, Harry Chase
Clocks and watches -- History; Time measurements
POPE SIXTUS'—Built by Habrecht of Strasburg in 1589. It greatly
resembles the Strasburg clock which Habrecht also built. It was in
the possession of the Popes for more than two centuries and later
became the property of William I, King of the Netherlands. In 1850 it
was exhibited in England after which it became the property of Mr. O.
Morgan. It performs all the feats of the Strasburg clock.
_Rouen_—In the Rue de la Grosse Horloge in Rouen a clock made by Jehan
de Fealius in 1389 is built in a tower which surmounts an arched
gateway. Its dial is about six feet square. It shows the hours, days of
the week, and phases of the moon. It still keeps excellent time and is
the chief clock of the city.
[Illustration]
_St. Dunstan's_—Erected in 1671 above the gateway of the old St.
Dunstan's Church. The clock had two dials, back to back upheld by a
quaint bracket. In a little open belfry above were the gaily painted
figures of Gog and Magog which struck the quarters on bells suspended
near them. In 1830 the clock was sold to the Marquis of Hertford who
set it up at his home in Regent Park.
_St. Paul's_—A clock existed prior to 1298 in the tower of St. Paul's
Cathedral which struck the hours by means of mechanical figures called
Paul's Jacks. Later a fine dial was added.
_Strasburg_—Rebuilt twice after the first one which was begun about
1352. This first clock consisted of a calendar which showed the
principal movable feasts. It showed also the movements of the sun and
moon. On the upper part was a statue of the Virgin before which at noon
the figures of the three Magi bowed. At the same time a cock automaton
opened its beak, flapped its wings and crowed. 2. The second Strasburg
clock was erected about 1570. This was a very elaborate mechanism,
showing besides the time, a calendar for a century, the movements of
the sun and moon, eclipses of the same and other things. The striking
was done by an elaborate automatic arrangement. (See Old Clocks and
Watches & Their Makers—F. J. Britten.) 3. In 1842 the clock was again
thoroughly reconstructed. This, too, is a very elaborate system of
motions showing the movements of sun, moon, and planets, also sidereal
time, a calendar, etc. The hours and quarters are struck by automatic
figures.
_Ulm_—In the eastern end of the old Rathaus at Ulm is installed an
astronomical clock which dates from the beginning of the 16th century.
It was thoroughly repaired in 1549 by the builder of the Strasburg
clock—Isak Habrecht. Shows in addition to the hours, the diurnal and
annual revolutions of the earth and the movements and phases of the
moon. The clock is an artistic achievement as well as a mechanical
wonder.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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