Ramsay appointed Clockmakers' Company Master In 1632, the Scottish watch- and clockmaker David Ramsay was appointed as the first Master of the newly formed Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. In 1627, Huguenot clockmakers petitioned King Charles I for the grant of a letters patent, allowing them freedom to control their work throughout London.This attempt failed after lobbying by the Blacksmiths’ Company. When the clockmakers again approached the King in 1631, they had shrewdly raised £61 to support the grant of a full livery company – the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. Both Ramsay and Charles were strapped for cash and much more receptive to their project; however, the King’s support came at a price, and the clockmakers agreed to install Ramsay as their first Master. Their charter was granted, and Charles pocketed the £61. Ramsay’s appointment as Master surely put many of the London clockmakers’ noses out of joint. The mission of the Company was to regulate the use of foreign workers and ensure that all those who had freedom of the city had served their time under a master clockmaker in London. As a Scot, Ramsay was a foreigner, and he certainly did not train in London. The irony of Ramsay’s appointment was lost on no one. As it happens, Ramsay had little interest in his role as Master. He rarely attended any meetings, leaving the running of the Company to his deputy and the wardens, and he did not attend his first meeting until 1634. Items relevant to David Ramsay in The Clockmakers’ Royal Charter 1631 (rendered into modern English by Keeper Emeritus Sir George White) Item 14i. That David Ramsay shall become the first Master of the Fellowship, he being or having been a clockmaker by profession. Item 14ii. That David Ramsay shall remain in office until the following Michaelmas Day and continue until a successor is elected according to the terms set out below. Item 17i. That before he may act, David Ramsay must first take an oath on the New Testament and before the Lord Mayor for the faithful execution of his office. Reference The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers Royal Charter http://www.clockmakers.org/about/royal-charter Image Credit Backplate with Ramsay's signature, Octagonal rock crystal-cased watch with gold mounts by David Ramsay, London c.1630. Gilt dial, engraved with foliage. Science Museum Group / The Clockmakers' Museum © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, Watch in a rock crystal case by David Ramsay | Science Museum Group Collection
