Tymperleys Clock Museum

Questions and Answers

1. When was it built?

It was built about 1500 as the service wing for a much larger house. It was restored in the 1950's by Bernard Mason.

2. Who was Bernard Mason?

He was an Alderman and local businessman and benefactor to Colchester. He left Tymperleys and his clock collection to the museum.

3. Who was William Gilberd?

He owned the large house of which Tymperleys is the only surviving part. He was physician to Elizabeth I. He was also a pioneering scientist who discovered the earth's magnetism and was the first person to coin the word "electricity". He died in 1603.

4. What is a Turret clock?

It is a type of clock used in a church tower or public building. There are several examples on show at the museum..

5. Which clock is the most accurate?

The Banister Clock of about 1836 is the most accurate clock because of its complicated, friction free, mercury pendulum which compensates for changes in the air pressure.