The clock is described as an armchair and it is an excellent technical example of the clock maker's art. Until recently it was hand wound. Timekeeping is by pendulum via a pinwheel deadbeat escapement. The clock chime operates on all four quarters on a tune barrel at the right hand side of the clock. Interestingly the clock uses five hammers on four bells to achieve an accurate repeat note. The left hand side of the clock has the strike mechanism and this sounds on a single hammer on the tenor bell above.
The clock mechanism was made by Whitehurst of Derby and dates to 1843. Smith of Derby added Westminster chimes in 1929 by changing the chime barrel when the Church bells were upgraded to a full peel.
Since that date little has been done to the clock except for maintenance and winding by local people. It needed winding every day. After 45 years of personal attention
to this, the winder has decided to retire, which led to Smith of Derby being asked
to advise on automating the process. Having inspected the clock mechanism, they
advised that part of it was in a dangerous condition and the clock should not be wound.
Do you have any information about the clock or any old photographs. We would like to build a section here about the History of Tideswell Church Clock. Please email pictures, stories, anything else about the clock to Start the Clock. Or drop them in to Pete Roberts at the Old Bulls Head next door to Tidewell Stores.
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