John Benson

Was a renowned English clock maker who lived and worked in Whitehaven in the 18th century.

In his own words (taken from an advertisement in 1776) he made ‘all sorts of Plain, Repeating, Musical and Astronomical Clocks’.

Most of his surviving specimens are brass dial 8 day ‘long case’ (more colloquially known as ‘Grandfather’) clocks which often incorporate rolling moons, tidal and other astronomical indicators above the main clock face. He also produced musical clocks that chimed on the quarter and the cases were all of fine quality made from red walnut or mahogany.

Benson died in 1798.

Possibly his most famous work is in the main hall of 10 Downing Street, the residence of the British Prime Minister. It’s reported that the chimes annoyed Winston Churchill enough that he had the musical part turned off.