Long case 30 hour clock made by Richard Stone in Thame in the 1770s
Members of the Stone family belonged to a group of clock-makers working in Thame in the 1700s.
This family was one of the most influential in the second half of the 18th century and the Spread Eagle is said to have been built as their private house. Edward Stone’s will (proved 1765) shows that he was a saddler, and that he had three sons; one was a saddler, another a silver-smith and one was a watch and clock-maker, Richard Stone, apprenticed in 1761 to Charles House in London, but afterwards of Thame. (ref.Victoria County History)
The clock mechanism or movement is a typical plated movement of the period.
When the donor acquired the clock, the case was covered in black paint and rotting at the base. The face was green with verdigris and the movement was also rusted. He restored the case and movement to safe and working order and it has worked since for around 30 years.
