Ahasuerus Fromanteel facts for kids

Ahasuerus Fromanteel (born around February 25, 1607 – died around January 31, 1693) was a famous clockmaker. He was the first person to make pendulum clocks in Britain. These clocks were much more accurate than older ones.

Life as a Clockmaker

Ahasuerus Fromanteel was born in Norwich, England, in 1607. His family came from Flanders, a region in Europe. They moved to England because of problems in their home country.

When he was young, Ahasuerus trained to be a blacksmith for seven years. In 1629, he moved to London. He started making large clocks for church towers. He also made smaller clocks for homes. These included lantern clocks and spring-powered table clocks.

Fromanteel joined the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths in 1631. A year later, he joined the Clockmakers' Guild. This was a group for clockmakers. His business grew very well. He even made microscopes and lenses.

Ahasuerus married Maria de Bruijne in 1631. They had eight children. Four of their children also became clockmakers.

The Amazing Pendulum Clock

Pendulum clock (1657) invented by Christiaan Huygens. Fromanteel later used this design in England. This clock is in the Museum Boerhaave in Leiden.

In 1657, Ahasuerus's son, John Fromanteel, learned about a new invention. It was the pendulum clock, created by Christiaan Huygens in 1656.

Before this, clocks were not very accurate. They could be off by ten to fifteen minutes each day. The pendulum clock changed everything. It was much more precise. It only lost a few seconds a day! This was a huge improvement in telling time.

After visiting the Netherlands, John and Ahasuerus started using this new pendulum technology. Fromanteel became the first person to make pendulum clocks in England. Other clockmakers, like Richard Harris and Robert Hooke, also claimed this honor.

Accurate time was very important. It helped sailors navigate ships and astronomers study the stars. Fromanteel used the new design for both large tower clocks and smaller home clocks. He sold them from his family home in Southwark. He also had a shop in Lothbury, London.

In 1658, Fromanteel advertised his new clocks. He said they kept time better than any other clocks. He even said they were "examined and proved before his Highness the Lord Protector." This was Oliver Cromwell, who was the leader of England at the time.

Fromanteel's invention was very important. It helped start the age of English longcase clocks. These tall clocks were popular for over a hundred years.

Later Years

Ahasuerus Fromanteel lived in the Netherlands for a few years (1667–1676). His son John stayed in London to run the family business.

After his first wife Maria died, Ahasuerus married Sarah Winnock. They lived in Whitechapel, London. Ahasuerus Fromanteel passed away in 1693. He was buried in a church in Whitechapel. Sadly, the church was destroyed during World War II, and his grave was lost.

Today, there is still a brand of clocks and watches called Fromanteel. It is based in the Netherlands.

Images for kids

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  Pendulum clock (1657) invented by Christiaan Huygens. Fromanteel later used this design in England. This clock is in the Museum Boerhaave in Leiden.