wells cathedral clock

The famous Wells clock is considered to be the second oldest clock mechanism in Britain, and probably in the world, to survive in original condition and still in use. The original works were made about 1390 and the clock face is the oldest surviving original of its kind anywhere.When the clock strikes every quarter, jousting knights rush round above the clock and the Quarter Jack bangs the quarter hours with his heels. The clock was wound by hand until August 2010 when an electric winding system was installed. The inscription at the top 'Nequid pereat' is a quotation from St. John's Gospel and means 'Let nothing perish (or be lost)', referring to the church fabric and the passage of time.

cathedral clock Wells Cathedral Somerset Wells

This image is available to purchase and is part of our Wells Cathedral Stock Photos Collection.