John Jefferys (clockmaker) facts for kids
John Jefferys was a skilled English clockmaker and watchmaker. He lived a long time ago, from 1701 to 1754. He was known for making amazing clocks and watches.
John Jefferys: Early Life
John Jefferys grew up in a village called Midgham. This village is part of Thatcham in Berkshire, England. His family lived in a house named Darbies.
His father, also named John, was a wool merchant. This means he bought and sold wool. John had a big family. He had at least five brothers and one sister.
Even though his father was a Quaker, John was christened. This happened on March 18, 1701.
Becoming a Master Clockmaker
John started learning his trade at a young age. On November 4, 1717, he began an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship is like a long training period. He learned from a watchmaker named Edward Jagger.
Edward Jagger's workshop was in Stepney, London. John spent nine years learning everything about clocks and watches. After his training, he became a member of the Clockmakers Company of London. This happened on January 26, 1726.
Later, in 1735, John Jefferys took on his own apprentice. This new apprentice was Larcum Kendall. Kendall would later become a very famous clockmaker himself.
Around 1753, John Jefferys made a special pocketwatch. He built it for another famous clockmaker, John Harrison. After John Jefferys passed away, his former apprentice, Larcum Kendall, took over his workshop.
John Jefferys in TV
John Jefferys' story was even shown on TV! An actor named Peter-Hugo Daly played him. This was in a TV series called Longitude. It was shown on Channel 4 in 2000.
