Astronomical clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1588
This astronomical clock features a gilt brass case constructed with four Doric columns joined by square plates on ball feet, surmounted by turned urn finials, pierced cresting, and an hour-bell beneath a brass spider with a central finial. The side plates are hinged with door latches released by lion-mask buttons. Its surfaces are engraved with strapwork, foliage, trophies of arms, grotesques, birds, butterflies, snails, and cherub heads based on designs by Étienne Delaune and Abraham de Bruyn. It is signed 'Frauncoy Nowe fecit a London Ao DMo 1588'.
The astronomical dial work incorporates outer chapter rings, a calendar disc engraved with pictorial zodiac signs, and central rotating discs displaying a sun pointer, moon pointer, moon's age, and the high water time at London Bridge. The entire weight-driven movement dates from a late 17th-century modernisation, comprising going, striking, and quarter-chiming brass trains with an anchor escapement, long pendulum, bells, weights, pulleys, and a steel bow hand. Measuring 38.2 cm in height, 15.7 cm in width, and 15.9 cm in depth, it was originally made in London in 1588 by Francis Nowe.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
This clock is the earliest English clock to bear a date and is one of the earliest weight-driven clocks recorded. Its maker, Francis Nowe, was likely born in Hartick van Bourse in Brabant, Low Countries, and moved to London in 1571 to escape religious persecution, dying there in 1593. The clock was modernised in the late 17th century with a replacement movement and dial components.
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Astronomical clock
- Museum object number
- M.39:1 to 6-1959
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.