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Grandfather Clocks, A Brief History Of Grandfather Clocks
by Kristy Annely
Since the beginning of civilization, humans have searched for a reliable way to keep track of the time. In the earliest days, months, seasons and years were tracked by careful monitoring of the phases of the moon. Later, the sun and stars were also used to help early people track the passing of time.
The Sumerians used the sundial to divide days into two-hour segments. The Egyptians created a device called Cleopatra’s needle to divide their days into two-hour segments while the ancient Romans devised a way of dividing time into night and day.
A pressing need for more precise measurements led to the invention of the water clock and then the hourglass. These inventions were limited as they relied on water and sand, respectively, to function. The search continued to search for a way of tracking time independent of the seasons or nature.
In 1582, Galileo discovered that a pendulum could be used to track time. He drew the first designs for a grandfather clock, though he did not build it. Finally, in 1656, Christiaan Huygens built the first known grandfather clock, putting Galileo’s discovery to use. Though the clock did not keep accurate time, it was a major breakthrough in timekeeping technology. Through the years, various inventors tried to improve on the design, but with little luck.
Finally, in 1670, William Clement discovered that the clocks worked better with a longer pendulum. Of course, this required a taller clock. Clement named his newly designed clocks long-case clocks. This was the predecessor of the grandfather clocks that we know today.
In 1875, Henry Work wrote the song “My Grandfather’s Clock” and the name stuck and finally, after many years in the making, grandfather clocks were born.
Today’s grandfather clocks rely on a pendulum attached to an anchor. The swinging pendulum causes the anchor to turn a gear, which in turn causes the clock to tick. A pair of weights further helps power the clock and keeps it from losing time. Although the technology has evolved over the years, the grandfather clocks of today still reflect the ingenuity of human’s earliest ancestors.
Grandfather Clocks provides detailed information on Grandfather Clocks, Antique Grandfather Clocks, Grandfather Clock Kits, Contemporary Grandfather Clocks and more. For more information go to http://www.e-grandfatherclocks.com and/or visit its affiliated site at http://www.e-cuckooclocks.com for related information.
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Grandfather Clocks, Building Your Own Grandfather Clock by Kristy Annely Approximately 359 Words
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You may want to try these websites for additional information
http://www.1-800-4clocks.com/rhythm-clocks.html
http://www.1-800-4clocks.com/movado-clocks.html
http://www.1-800-4clocks.com/kieninger-grandfather-clocks.html
The information provided in this article is the express opinion of the author. Exchangenet is not responsible for the content!
Since the beginning of civilization, humans have searched for a reliable way to keep track of the time. In the earliest days, months, seasons and years were tracked by careful monitoring of the phases of the moon. Later, the sun and stars were also used to help early people track the passing of time.
The Sumerians used the sundial to divide days into two-hour segments. The Egyptians created a device called Cleopatra’s needle to divide their days into two-hour segments while the ancient Romans devised a way of dividing time into night and day.
A pressing need for more precise measurements led to the invention of the water clock and then the hourglass. These inventions were limited as they relied on water and sand, respectively, to function. The search continued to search for a way of tracking time independent of the seasons or nature.
In 1582, Galileo discovered that a pendulum could be used to track time. He drew the first designs for a grandfather clock, though he did not build it. Finally, in 1656, Christiaan Huygens built the first known grandfather clock, putting Galileo’s discovery to use. Though the clock did not keep accurate time, it was a major breakthrough in timekeeping technology. Through the years, various inventors tried to improve on the design, but with little luck.
Finally, in 1670, William Clement discovered that the clocks worked better with a longer pendulum. Of course, this required a taller clock. Clement named his newly designed clocks long-case clocks. This was the predecessor of the grandfather clocks that we know today.
In 1875, Henry Work wrote the song “My Grandfather’s Clock” and the name stuck and finally, after many years in the making, grandfather clocks were born.
Today’s grandfather clocks rely on a pendulum attached to an anchor. The swinging pendulum causes the anchor to turn a gear, which in turn causes the clock to tick. A pair of weights further helps power the clock and keeps it from losing time. Although the technology has evolved over the years, the grandfather clocks of today still reflect the ingenuity of human’s earliest ancestors.
Grandfather Clocks provides detailed information on Grandfather Clocks, Antique Grandfather Clocks, Grandfather Clock Kits, Contemporary Grandfather Clocks and more. For more information go to http://www.e-grandfatherclocks.com and/or visit its affiliated site at http://www.e-cuckooclocks.com for related information.
These articles on lifestyle and more
This article is available for syndication. It must be republished with its title, text, and hyperlinks in tact (HYPERLINKS MUST BE KEPT ACTIVE). grandfather clocks
Return to the selection of grandfather clocks
You may want to try these articles on grandfather clocks
Grandfather Clocks, Building Your Own Grandfather Clock by Kristy Annely Approximately 359 Words
Grandfather Clocks, Contemporarygrandfather Clocks by Kristy Annely Approximately 256 Words
Grandfather Clocks, The German Grandfather Clock Tradition by Kristy Annely Approximately 365 Words
Grandfather Clocks, The English Grandfather Clock Tradition by Kristy Annely Approximately 367 Words
Grandfather Clocks, Grandfather Clock Repair by Kristy Annely Approximately 349 Words
Grandfather Clocks, Grandfather Clocks: A History by Susan Fielding Approximately 439 Words
Grandfather Clocks, Getting A Grandfather Clock At A Discount by Kristy Annely Approximately 391 Words
You may want to try these websites for additional information
http://www.1-800-4clocks.com/rhythm-clocks.html
http://www.1-800-4clocks.com/movado-clocks.html
http://www.1-800-4clocks.com/kieninger-grandfather-clocks.html
The information provided in this article is the express opinion of the author. Exchangenet is not responsible for the content!
