Paul a Gibbs
Wells Cathedral Clock, Somerset
The Wells Cathedral clock is an astronomical clock in the north transept of Wells Cathedral, England. The clock is one of the group of famous 14th to 16th century astronomical clocks to be found in the West of England.
Built around 1392 and has been in almost continuous use ever since. It is the second-oldest surviving clock in England (the oldest is at Salisbury Cathedral).
In the 1600s the original horizontal swinging beam mechanism called a foliot balance was replaced by a pendulum and anchor escapement to improve timekeeping. The clock also drove a display of automata figures which can still be seen at Wells every 15 minutes.
Wells Cathedral Clock, Somerset
The Wells Cathedral clock is an astronomical clock in the north transept of Wells Cathedral, England. The clock is one of the group of famous 14th to 16th century astronomical clocks to be found in the West of England.
Built around 1392 and has been in almost continuous use ever since. It is the second-oldest surviving clock in England (the oldest is at Salisbury Cathedral).
In the 1600s the original horizontal swinging beam mechanism called a foliot balance was replaced by a pendulum and anchor escapement to improve timekeeping. The clock also drove a display of automata figures which can still be seen at Wells every 15 minutes.