A Brief History of Grandfather Clocks

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 Info provides detailed information on antique, contemporary, discount, English, and German grandfather clocks, as well as kits and repair information. Grandfather Clocks Info is the sister site of Cuckoo Clocks Web.

---

Country Home Decorating ? Country Style Home Decor the Way Life Used to Be

What is the lure and appeal of country home decorating?... Read More

Not All Glass is Created Equal

Pressed glass, Depression glass and crystal - this month we'll... Read More

An Introduction to Adjustable Beds

Adjustable beds, also known as Semi-Fowler beds, can be adjusted... Read More

15 Summer Decorating Ideas

Summer decorating is a wonderful time to lighten up the... Read More

A Place For Everything In Your Home

Are there homeless items living in your home? If you're... Read More

Nursery Room Decor

The nursery is your newborn's first room, his own little... Read More

The ABC of Being a Good Interior Designer

It may seem that all you need to be a... Read More

The Charm of an Oak Computer Desk

Oak was always used for furniture because of its strength... Read More

Fast Solutions with Feng Shui

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art used in the... Read More

A Look at Cuckoo Clock Movement

The inside mechanics of cuckoo clocks maintain virtually the same... Read More

The Benefits of HEPA Air Purifiers

The military designed the first HEPA filter in the 1940s... Read More

A Guide to Kitchen Sinks

In any household, a kitchen sink is one of the... Read More

The Benefits of Massage Recliner Chairs

Massage recliner chairs are different than traditional home recliners. These... Read More

The Cost of Granite Countertops

The beauty, hardness and utility of granite makes it a... Read More

A Guide to Decorative Picnic Baskets

Decorative picnic baskets come in many sizes, styles, and artistic... Read More

California King Bedding Cannot Be Interchanged With Standard King Bedding

If you are looking for a great selection of California... Read More

Choose The Right Colors and Placement For Your Flowers

Some people have a natural artistic ability when it comes... Read More

The Benefits of Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks

Stainless steel has emerged as the most popular choice of... Read More

A Guide to Shower Curtains

Bathrooms do not always offer many opportunities to make style... Read More

Installing Granite Countertops

Granite is not only the hardest material available for countertops;... Read More

Creating A Cozy Spot

Having a warm & cozy spot to snuggle up is... Read More

Do You Need An Interior Designer?

All of us want our homes to be places of... Read More

Area Rugs Will Add That Special Look And Feel To Your Home

Decorating with area rugs is one of the easiest ways... Read More

Decorate Your Home for Joy Using Design Psychology

What Is Design Psychology?Design Psychology exceeds "traditional" interior design practice... Read More

Granite Countertop Colors

Granite, like marble and other stones, is as old as... Read More

Light Imitating Art - How to Use Lighting as a Decorative Feature

Lighting is often thought of as a necessity, which it... Read More

Wine Rack Kits and Plans

Properly storing wine keeps flavor and lets wine age so... Read More

Upholstery Upkeep

Upholstered armchairs and sofas are comfortable and attractive additions to... Read More

A Look at Edible Fruit Baskets

By their very nature, all fruit baskets, especially the original... Read More

The Benefits of Granite Kitchen Sinks

If you are looking for durability and easy-to-maintain features in... Read More

The Arts & Crafts Movement for Beginners

If you like clean, simple, oak furnishings, you're likely an... Read More

How to Make Roman Shades

Roman shades are a simple and elegant window treatment to... Read More

Is It Time To Move? Change Your Home Into A House... Have It Staged!

Heart and Soul Designs - Changing your Home into a... Read More