Clockmakers' Company chartered From 1622, a group of clockmakers embarked on a campaign of petitions to protest against those ‘outsiders’ who had set up shop in London. They saw these foreigners as a threat to the native market. It was not until 1629 that the London clockmakers gained enough credibility to petition the Crown for an independent Company. On 22 August 1631, a Charter was granted by King Charles I, and the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers was thus established. The charter set out the boundaries and rules of the group and regulated clockmaking in the City of London (as well as the area within a 10-mile radius extending beyond the limits of the City). They also aspired to quality control to ensure against any items being ‘badly or deceitfully made, of insufficient quality metal, or made by anyone who has not served a full apprenticeship...’, threatening the seizure of goods if these standards were not met. The establishment of the Company undoubtedly contributed to the flourishing of the London clockmaking market during the 16- and 1700s. However, joining the Company was expensive for makers, and many actively avoided membership and serving in its office. Quite a few also bristled at the constraints of the Company and fell afoul of its Court. The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers is still active today, and is one of the world's oldest active guilds. It also provides educational opportunities. The Clockmakers’ Museum collection is housed at the Science Museum, London, and the Clockmakers' library and archive is housed at the Guildhall Library also in London. Reference The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers Royal Charter. http://www.clockmakers.org/about/royal-charter Image Credit WCC122186 Ms 6430 The Clockmakers' Charter, granted by King Charles I on 22nd August 1631 (vellum) by English School, (17th century); The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers' Collection, UK; (add.info.: the company paid 4 pounds to Mr John Chappell in 1634 for this charter's 'flourishing and finishing';); © Worshipful Company of Clockmakers / Bridgeman Images
