Lantern Clock, 1636

Inscribed with the maker's name Nicholas Snowe - 'a watchmaker, dyall maker and clockmaker' who possibly came from London but was in Salisbury by 1629. Nicholas was one of about 10 men working in this trade in the city in the early 17th century - along with his elder brother John. In 1641 he mended the clock and chimes of St Thomas's Church, Salisbury, and was paid £5. Lantern clocks had recently been introduced from continental Europe and were the first private clocks for the home. Previously clocks were only used in public spaces such as churches and colleges. This would have been a precious possession.