Congleton Museum

18th December 2010 - 31st March 2011

Before the mass production of clocks every town had its own clockmakers. Over the years Congleton had quite a number, including Drakeford, Johnson and Whitehurst.

John Whitehurst was born in Congleton in 1713, and was apprenticed to his father as a clock maker. However, it was in Derby that he made his name, being commonly known as John Whitehurst of Derby.

He was renowned not only for his skill as a clock and watchmaker, but as a scientist, astronomer, and geologist, becoming a member of that 17th century group of Midlands middle class intellectuals known as the ‘Lunar Society’. Other members of the Society included Erasmus Darwin, Matthew Boulton and Benjamin Franklin.

This exhibition explores the impact this ‘son of Congleton’ had on scientific discovery.

Please Note: The information regarding this event was correct at the date of publication. Whilst we strive to keep our information up to date, this information can change without notice. Please check with the event before attending.