PUBLISHED WORK - The Blaylock Clockmakers
I am providing here a list of published works which are known to me and which include some reference to the Blaylock Clockmakers of Longtown and Carlisle. I feel I should add that my website is purely an amateur production and I have no commercial or professional interest in the publications listed. Some of these publications only contain a brief reference to the family but are included for completeness.
The Clockmakers of Cumberland by Dr. John B. Penfold M.B., B.S., F.R.C.Path.
This book was published by Brant Wright Associates Limited, Ashford , Kent in 1977. ISBN 0 903512 11 4. It is without doubt the definitive work on the subject. The author, Dr. John Penfold, was born in the town of Brampton, Cumberland, the son of Henry (Harry) Penfold.
Dr. John Penfold was pathologist at Essex County Hospital in Colchester from 1945 until his retirement in 1979. He qualified at Newcastle in 1937 and his early house posts included positions at Newcastle Hospital, Manchester Royal and London Hospital. He died on 18th July 1990.
In the introduction to his book, Dr. Penfold tells us that his father, Henry Penfold, a journalist, wrote a series of twenty-four articles on Cumberland Clockmakers for the local newspaper, The Cumberland News. These articles, written in 1934, created voluminous correspondence between Cumberland clock owners and Henry Penfold who also carried out his own research. The research was continued by John Penfold and he published the collection of material in a most readable format in his book The Clockmakers of Cumberland.
Two editions of the book were printed with a total production run of 1000 copies. It is now out of print.
Copies of the book can still be obtained from specialist booksellers but prospective purchasers are cautioned that copies are very very expensive!
Pratchitt Brothers Ltd., 100 Years of Engineering
This is a booklet published in 1959 by Pratchitt Brothers Limited, Engineers and Ironfounders of Denton Ironworks, Carlisle in commemoration of 100 years of Engineering in the city.
The booklet tells the story of how William Pratchitt, born at Chester in 1833, travelled to Carlisle in 1859 to meet John Blaylock (3), the Clockmaker, and together they founded the company of Blaylock and Pratchitt, Engineers, Millwrights, Machinists, Boiler Makers, Iron and Brass Founders, at their Long Island Ironworks, Carlisle. In his book Dr. Penfold tells us that John Blaylock (3) had built a large workshop on the Long Island site in 1847. In 1863, John Pratchitt, a younger brother to William, joined the firm which then became Pratchitt, Blaylock & Pratchitt. About this time the firm moved to Carlisle Denton Holme and following the death of John Blaylock in 1877 the firm became Pratchitt Brothers. In more modern times the firm became APV Mitchell Dryers Limited.
The LONGCASE CLOCK Reference Book by John Robey
This is an extensive study of longcase clocks in two volumes published in 2001 by Mayfield Books of Matherfield House, Church Lane, Mayfield, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, England, DE6 2JR, ISBN 0 9540525 0 1 (2 volume set). Included are a number of pictures with descriptions of clocks made by the Blaylock family.
The following also include references to the Blaylock Clockmakers:-
North Country Clockmakers by C. Leo Reid
This little book was first published in 1925 with a facsimile edition being printed in 1981 by Pendulum Publications, Rothbury, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 7YB, ISBN 0 9506935 1 0
Clockmakers of Northern England by Brian Loomes
Published in 1997 by Mayfield Books, Matherfield House, Church Lane, Mayfield, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 2JR, ISBN 0 9523270 5 8
The Concise Guide to British Clocks by Brian Loomes
Published in 1992 by Barrie & Jenkins Ltd., 20 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 2SA
British Longcase Clocks by Derek Roberts
Published in 1990 by Schiffer Publishing Ltd. 1469 Morstein Road, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380, ISBN 0-88740-230-5
British Skeleton Clocks by Derek Roberts
Published in 1987 by The Antique Collectors Club Ltd., 5 Church Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk, ISBN 1 851490 59 0
Skeleton Clocks by F.B. Royer-Collard F.B.H.I.
Published by N.A.G. Press Ltd., London, EC1V 7QA, Reprinted Edition. 1981 ISBN719801109
Thomas Edmondson and his Tickets by Michael Farr
Published by the author from home in 1991, ISBN 0-905033-13-2. Makes reference to the connection between Thomas Edmondson, the inventor of railway ticket dating presses, and John Blaylock (3) of Carlisle, who is said to be originally from Dublin. I have not found any evidence to support this.
Cumbria Life No.62 January/February 1999, page 70, A TIMELY DISPLAY by Wendy Mitton
A magazine article on the part played by John Blaylock (3) in the Great Exhibition of 1851. Includes pictures of a clock by John Blaylock (1) of Longtown.
Published by AGT Ltd., Broadacre House, 16-20 Lowther Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8DA
Cumbria Life No. 68 February 2000, page 66, TIMELY INTERVENTION by Wendy Mitton
A magazine article on Cumberland Watchmakers. Includes a picture of a watch by John Blaylock in silver case hallmarked London 1780.
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Page last updated 15 March 2003