The production of the English Lantern Clock started around 1580. This style of clock had existed on the continent for some years previous. The early English Clocks were constructed mainly of iron. It was not until the early part of the 17th century that the frame was constructed of brass with cast frets to form a gallery, topped by a strap from which the bell hung. A dial-plate and chapter ring of brass and a backplate of iron were the visually outward features of the Lantern Clock that would not change throughout its 150 years of production.

Then yet again it was produced with fusee movements towards the end of the nineteenth century. At this time many early clocks were unfortunately stripped of their worn wheelwork and replaced by a fusee movement. I do not dislike Victorian Lantern Clocks that were produced in their entirety by the Victorians, but I do not think a 17th century frame goes with a Victorian fusee. To me this is like fitting a V8 Mercedes engine to a 1908 Renault chassis.

Such is the appeal of the style that it is still produced today with quartz movements. The early movements were constructed of brass wheels and iron arbors and pinions. The detents and lifters along with the hammer work was also iron. Very few makers were around in the early 17th century and they were based in London and Salisbury (Sarum), which was the next city with the craftsmen that could produce a clock.

The early clocks are distinctive and individual in some style features. It was not until after the civil war (1642-1647) that the clocks began to resemble each other in styles of pillars, frets, engraving etc. All Lantern Clocks up to 1660 had balance wheel escapements and many makers continued to use the balance after the introduction of the verge. The verge escapement was used in most London Clocks (all the ones I have seen) until they ceased to be made there in the early 18th century. The makers John and William Holloway of Devizes and Stroud were among the first to use the anchor recoil escapement from its introduction in 1772.

Many verge and balance clocks were converted to anchor escapement for its greater accuracy in timekeeping. The Lantern Clocks from East Anglia and Essex continued to be produced late into the 18th century and almost all had anchor escapement. In London some small alarms and arched clocks (many for the Turkish market) were produced in the middle of the 18th century.

The West Country Clocks are much more stylised than their London counterparts although many resemble early London Clocks. Of the ones I have owned or seen they are well finished and detailed. I remember a Bilbie I saw in an auction, an original verge; it was outstanding in detail, quality and originality.

One thing that becomes clear when you have handled many Lantern Clocks is that retailing of parts between makers and craftsmen was widespread from the beginning. When you read some books you are given the romantic illusion that the clockmaker cast the components, turned and cut the wheels and pinions, engraved the dial and signed his name, all by candlelight. It is because of these production similarities and fashion changes that we can date and verify the originality of Lantern Clocks.

When you hold a clock that was made before Charles I was executed or the Great Fire of London it really is something quite special.