This is by far one of Thomas Clare’s finest works, an 18th century Longcase Clock with a 12” silvered dial “Strike/Silent” lever to the arch, signed: “Thos. Clare, Bedford” to the centre, with subsidiary seconds & date aperture, SIX PILLAR eight-day three-train movement striking the hours & chiming the quarters on eight bells., and the original three brass cased weights , also with original graduated pulleys 

Figured mahogany case with brass inlaid stop-fluted columns to the hood, standing 7’ 4” high.

This clock has it's original three train movement, and is NOT a Victorian addition

History of the Clare family of clockmakers:
The Clare family clock and watchmaking business traded in Bedford.
NOW SOLD 
They had premises at 82, High Street, Bedford. Thomas Pinkerd Clare inherited the business from his father Thomas Clare jnr who’s father Thomas Clare Snr initially set up the initial business of Watch & Clockmaker.

Thomas jnr had several sons, one being Joseph who later traded from Kimbolton.

The business (but not the premises) was later sole to John Bull & Co. The name Clare & Sons survived until the shop finally closed in 1956. The Clare family had strong connections with the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, where Charles Thomas Clare and Alfred Howard Clare were baptised.

For further information on the family see ‘Bedfordshire Clock & Watchmakers’ by Christopher J Pickford (Bedfordshire Historical Record Society Volume 70; published 1991) pp 103 – 105