Who invented the clock tower?
The first clock was installed on the tower in the 17th century and was designed by Christopher Galloway. The present-day timepiece was crafted in the mid-19th century by the Butenop brothers.
What is inside a clock tower?
The mechanism inside the tower is known as a turret clock. It often marks the hour (and sometimes segments of an hour) by sounding large bells or chimes, sometimes playing simple musical phrases or tunes. Some clock towers were previously built as Bell towers and then had clocks added to them.
Why do universities have clock towers?
While having a clock tower on campus may help students get to class on time (or at least let them know if they are running late), these graceful structures do more than mark the passing hours. Bells ring from their lofty tips, sending chimed concerts, alma mater and even fight songs out into the ether.
What is the tallest clock tower?
Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower
The Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower is the tallest freestanding clock tower on Earth, even topping out the Elizabeth Tower that houses Big Ben in London.
What was the problem with the water clock?
The water clock, however, was not without its flaws. First of all, a constant pressure of water was needed to keep the flow of water at a constant rate. To solve this problem, the water clock was supplied with water from a large reservoir in which the water was kept at a constant level.
Why are clock towers located in the centre of towns?
Clock towers were placed near the centres of towns and were often the tallest structures there. As clock towers became more common, the designers realized that a dial on the outside of the tower would allow the townspeople to read the time whenever they wanted.
What was the name of the clock tower in China?
In its interior, there was also a water clock (or clepsydra), driven by water coming down from the Acropolis. In Song China, an astronomical clock tower was designed by Su Song and erected at Kaifeng in 1088, featuring a liquid escapement mechanism.
Can a clock tower be on top of another building?
Many clock towers are freestanding structures but they can also adjoin or be located on top of another building. Some other buildings also have clock faces on their exterior but these structures serve other main functions.