JOHN EBSWORTH
LONDON
John Ebsworth was one of the Notable makers of this period, he was apprentice to Richard Aymes- Feb.23 1657-freed April 1665. He worked at the Cross Keys in Lothbury were it was said he probably succeeded Thomas Knifton there, he moved later to 'New Cheep Side' John Ebsworth was an assistant in the Clockmakers Company from 1682, Warden 1694-96 then Master 1697. He is recorded in Brittens Old Clocks and their Makers (Clutton) as producing many fine clocks including full size lantern clocks with dolphin frets, a beautiful marquetry longcase, and a small silver pocket watch with tortoiseshell flowered case He also describes him as being a good clockmaker selling many great clocks.
Early Clockmakers of Great Britain (Loomes) mentions that the lantern clocks were usually signed 'John Ebsworth at ye Crossed Keys in Lothbury Londini fecit' or 'John Ebsworth in Lothbury Londini fecit'. He died 1699 his will dated May 1699 proved Sept 1699 in which Edward Stanton was appointed the overseer. Although there seems no apparent business connection between them. It mentioned his wife Susanna, and one Thomas Walker who was a clockmaker of that period.
The following were apprentices to John Esbworth: July 1667 Bryan Lake free Oct 1674; July 1672 William Sharpe free July 168l; June 1675 John Barnett free Sept 1682; Aug 1684 John Berry free April 1692; Dec 1684 Johnathan Woodford free July 1696; July 1696 Joseph Hutchin free Aug 1703.
This example of his work is a typical balance wheel escapement clock of c.1665
Price £9500
