longcase clock had first been introduced into the homes of the wealthiest, with both movement and case made in London or one of the border towns, and its spread into rural communities was one of the most dramatic craft developments of the 18th century, with makers appearing in every locality. Clocks had been known since the 14th century and a small number of often inventive clockmakers were working by the late 17th century. Some of these might have been to an extent self-taught, a number being blacksmiths, whilst others were trained in England..."