The Banister Regulator

A regulator is a type of clock which is used to check that other clocks keep the correct time. In 1836 the Colchester clock maker, Joseph Banister, was granted a patent for a new design of regulator that was exceptionally accurate. The Duke of Sussex, who was noted for his interest in science, invited Banister to demonstrate his regulator to the leading London clockmakers in 1838. The demonstration was so successful that the Duke ordered this clock to be made to the same design, but, unfortunately died before it was finished. The original regulator also survives and is in the collection.