Memorial Clock

Mexborough and Swinton Times, October 13.

Memorial Clock

The late T.H.Simpson, Esq, of Conisborough, was well-known as a pattern of regularity and punctuality. Such be the case, Mrs Simpson could not have perpetuated his member in a more suitable manner than she had just done. He was also a thoroughly practical man, and appears to have communicated some of his spirit to his esteemed survivor, for on Saturday last she set in motion one of the most useful gifts ever presented to the parish.

The clock so generously placed in the tower of the church is of the best construction, and records on a brass plate the following:

“This clock was presented by his widow, in loving memory of G.H.Simpson, who died July 13, 1880.”

It is an eight days clock, and strikes the power on the second bell, the tenor bell being cracked. It is constructed on a solid horizontal planed cast iron bed frame, and has also maintaining power on the ball and shuttle principle, by Sir E.Beckett QC to keep it going during the time of winding up.

The escapement is the double three legged gravity by Sir E. Beckett, Bart, with phosphor bronze pallets and check action to prevent tripping, this being the most accurate escapement made. It is a standard timekeeper for the district, and may be seen on the M.S.and L. Railway. It is by the same makers as the clock in the tower of Lincoln Cathedral.

The Wales are of the same description as a principal clock throughout the country, of the best cast metal and gunmetal and of the best hard brass and cut. All the bushes or a gunmetal, screwed into the frame, so that each or any wheel can be taken out separately if required. The pendulum been compensated, enables the clock to keep correct time in hot or cold weather.

There are two outside solid cast iron dials 6 feet diameter, with some sense his and raise figures and minutes, the ground been painted black, and the hands figures and minutes guilt.

The hands are made of strong copper and are correctly balanced or counter foiled within. There is a small index dial inside for the purpose of setting and adjusting the outside hands.

The clock, in fact, as all the latest improvements. A native has given the following thoughts on the clock:

If thou that clock considers right,

It tells thee that time does take a rapid flight.

The hand moves on, it does not backward turn,

Now is the time to wisdom here to learn.

And while the hands of time are moving on.

Our friends depart, we lose them one by one:

Not foolish ones alone from Earth depart,

But men of wiser minds and purer heart

Then, who the sunny skies of early morn.

Beheld when freshness on the air was borne?

Who trod the rounds of duty with delight,

Forgetting not an eye of perfect sight,

By whom their acts were all observed and seen,

Who noteth down where one has faithful been?

Redeem thy time, past hours thou canst not bring.

And these are moving on a rapid wing,

How soon with vain regrets thou mayst deplore.

That thou, canst wisdom show on earth no more;

Happy for thee if it shall once be given.

That thou with true and faithful ones in heaven,

Shall to the sons of Earth import some joy.

Through Him, who faithful spirits does employ,

They many blessings may bring.

Through him who is creations mighty King

Add files