Ottery St Mary astronomical clock

Astronomical Clock in St Mary's Church, Ottery St Mary

The clock movement of the Astronomical Clock

Ottery St Mary Astronomical Clock is a 15th-century astronomical clock in St Mary's Church, Ottery St Mary, in Devon in south-west England.

History and description

The south transept of the church of St Mary in Ottery St Mary houses the astronomical clock,^[1] one of the oldest surviving mechanical clocks in England. It is commonly attributed to Bishop John de Grandisson, who was Bishop of Exeter (1327–69) and adheres to Ptolemaic cosmology with the Earth at the centre of the solar system.^[2]

After 30 years of silence, the clock was restored to working condition in 1907^[3] by John James Hall, FRAS of Exeter. The rededication service, on 20 May 1907, was attended by the Bishop of Exeter, Archibald Robertson, who formally set the clock going.^[4]

References

1. Nikolaus Pevsner, The Buildings of England, Devon (1952; 1989) (rev. Bridget Cherry) ISBN 978-0-300-09596-8
2. Whitham, J. A. The Church of St Mary of Ottery in the County of Devon: a short history and guide.
3. "Curious astronomical clock in Ottery St Mary church Church". Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser (Manchester). 29 March 1907. Retrieved 14 September 2015.
4. "Visit to Devonshire. Interesting Proceedings.". Exeter and Plymouth Gazette (Exeter). 21 May 1907. Retrieved 14 September 2015.