I suppose most of us live by 'routine'; I know I certainly do.
I am the current guardian of 'The Family Clock'. Made for the family in 1735, it has remained with us ever since.
It's not a grand clock. It has a very simple wooden case, and it has no frills. It's a simple country-made affair that has been telling the time for nearly three hundred years.
My Father knew his time was limited when he asked me to drive him down to visit his cousin in Hendon; London. Having given us an uncooked Chicken for lunch, she suddenly pronounced that I was to be the family clock's next guardian; there was no-one else. I was neither pleased nor upset; I simply accepted the duty, and loaded it into the car, along with an antique corner cupboard that she also said I should look after.
Luckily the clock has not needed too much maintenance. I did have it 'serviced' once, but it needed no repairs; just a small amount of internal cleaning of the mechanism. It was the repair man who told me its date.
I 'wind' the clock every morning. It works on a pully system, and requires a lead weight to be delicately lifted. It would keep going for two days, but I 'wind' it every day.
Sometimes I sit and listen to its tick, just as my ancestors must have done. In the days before radio and TV, the only sound in the house, other than a crackling fire, would have been the constant ticking of the long-case clock. Its time would have been set against the more accurate clock on the village church tower. Who the church would have used to check that their clock was telling the right time, I have no idea.
The clock does have a chime, but I have 'disabled' it for the moment.
The clock will go to Kimbo, and then to his oldest son Suave Harve. It is never to be sold; just handed-on to the next family custodian. There is no reason why it shouldn't continue to tell the time for another 300 years.
That clock is a true family treasure. Made in 1735, imagine the conversations held in the rooms it has been in. Nice you have the next clock caretakers chosen.
ReplyDeleteIt's a responsibility, but a good one. I just hope that it continues.
DeleteIt is a handsome piece. I love the sound of a proper ticking clock.
ReplyDeleteYes, I do too. It's very comforting. An open fire in the hearth, candle-light, and a ticking long-case clock; what could be better.
DeleteI have one similar
ReplyDeleteI think I've seen it lurking in your house!
DeleteWe've always wanted a long case clock. Instead we have an ornate gilt King Louis the something clock that my Granddad bought for half a crown in the 40's. (Probably a survivor from a bomb site - I'm told it was black when he bought it.) The timer needs to be wound every six days and the chimes every three. I'm not sure anyone will want it after me. They don't connect with the history of it.
ReplyDeleteClocks also go by fashion. What might be fashionable this year, may not be next year. People are fickle.
DeleteA wonderful family heirloom and a special link to all the Magnon people who went before you.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing that it's still with us. It's moved around a lot.
DeleteIt's touching that the clock means so much to you. You'd have to pay me to have such a monstrosity in my abode. Though I might consider a cuckoo clock. That bird would make me jump out of my skin on the hour every hour.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong; heirlooms are nice if you really appreciate them as an object in themselves. What I question (don't ask) why, as in your example, it should go, automatically, to the eldest (son?). There may be siblings "lower down the pecking line" who might appreciate it much more than the one it's foisted upon.
U
It's easier to designate who should be the next guardian. If one left it to fate it would probably end up being sold.
DeleteThat's an interesting history and I hope that the clock will continue to be passed down through your future generations. You should leave some lasting memory of yourself - perhaps a note in the clock case - so they will know "Cro was here"!
ReplyDeleteI think that's a good idea. I'll have to think of something.
DeleteThe stories it could tell.
ReplyDelete300 years is a long time ago. In 1735 George 11 was on the throne, and Walpole was Prime Minister.
DeleteYour clock is a lovely family heirloom, and it is great to have a succession plan.
ReplyDeleteThese things need to be settled in advance.
DeleteA lovely piece of family history. Nice that they have the story of how it came to you too. I'm sure it will be treasured for many more generationz
ReplyDeleteI'm confident that it will. It doesn't suit all decors, but it just sits in a corner!
DeleteMine has two pulleys. It's lately lost an hour of each chime past 1. It's from my late father in laws line.
ReplyDeleteI have to hold the weight with one hand, and pull a chain down with the other; all very gingerly.
Delete