Turret clock
Thomas Mears II
Category
Horology
Date
Unknown
Materials
Iron, Paint
Measurements
510 x 560 x 450 mm; 280 mm (Diameter); 14.5 kg (weight)
Place of origin
Whitechapel
Order this imageCollection
Snowshill Manor and Garden, Gloucestershire
NT 1333403.2
Summary
The bell to the right of the clock is fitted with a clock hammer and partially fixed up as a clock bell, but the striking arm from the clock is fixed rigid (and secured to a short length of wood screwed to the wooden framework alongside and below the bell. The purpose of this arrangement is unclear, but as it is at present the clock would not strike on the bell. Details of the “clock bell” are as follows: Inscription: 1831 Founder and date: The 1831 date figures are identical to those on the St.George Bell (1830) and both seem to be by Thomas Mears II of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London (fl.1810-1844) Mouldings: 1:1-2:2:1 Canons and argent: Single canons and argent only Frequency / note: Nominal 3073.5Hz (G minus 34 cents)) Provenance: Not known Fittings: The bell is supported between two L-shaped brackets screwed to one of the roof purlins. The gudgeons turn in holes in the brackets. The bell has a (wormy) wooden stock with drive-in gudgeons, stock hoops and an iron chiming lever. It is secured to the stock by two V-straps through the single canons. It has a cast-in crown staple with a hook-over clapper. There is a clock hammer, and a string is tied to the clapper so that the bell can be rung – with its companion – by “clocking”.
Makers and roles
Thomas Mears II, bell founder