Great Plague of London The Great Plague of London ravaged the city in various outbreaks between 1665 and 1670. In London, as in most large cities of Europe at the time, the plague was endemic. According to the National Archives, 15% of the capital’s population died during this particular epidemic. The clockmaking market was affected in terms of numbers of clockmakers and availability of materials. Notably, clockmaker Samuel Knibb died in the last wave of plague, around 1670. His death prompted his brother Joseph Knibb to move to London and take over Samuel's workshop. Joseph left his younger brother, John, in charge of the Knibbs’ Oxford workshop. The plague had first reached England in June 1348. In the following centuries, England – and especially London – suffered multiple waves of epidemics. Major outbreaks occurred during the 15- and 1600s. The Great Plague was the last of these to affect London The Knibbs were not the only clockmaking family affected by plague. Huguenot clockmaker Nicholas Vallin died from it, along with most of his family, during the 1603 epidemic. Image Credit Great plague of London 1665. Image ID: J8BHYK, The History Collection / Alamy Stock Photo
