Founded in 1813, and now situated at Guildhall in the City of London, it was originally a library of ancient manuscripts of the Company, but soon grew to include many printed books, often presented by their authors, or annotated by famous clock and watchmakers. The Clockmakers’ Library is now celebrated for its holding of rare clockmakers’ workbooks and related documents (such as Victor Kullberg’s records, and many 18th century holograph manuscripts by John Harrison). More >>
The Collection
John Harrison's "H5"
The Clockmakers’ Museum at Guildhall is the oldest collection specifically of clocks and watches in the world, and considered to be one of the finest. Entry is free. At any one time it contains some 600 English and European watches, 30 clocks and 15 marine timekeepers, together with a number of rare horological portraits. The majority of items in the Collection range from c.1600 to c.1850. Perhaps the most important group within the Collection is the marine timekeepers, illustrating the importance of horology in the science of navigation, including the celebrated 5th marine timekeeper made by John Harrison and completed in 1770.
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Visiting the Museum
A descriptive colour leaflet is available. Follow this link for directions, map etc.
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