This beautiful brass clock face was made in Charlbury by Thomas Gilkes and probably dates to the 1770s. It is engraved with a simple foliate design and is signed ‘Gilkes, Charlbury’.
Thomas Gilkes III (1736-1779) was descended from Thomas Gilkes of Sibford Gower, a well-known Quaker family. There were four generations of Gilkes clockmakers. Thomas III who made this one was a blacksmith and clockmaker who lived in Charlbury from 1764 until his death at the young age of 43. he left a widow, Sarah, and eight children.
The clock was purchased from the estate of the late Mr Ronald Prew, a past curator and devoted supporter of the museum. This acquisition was made possible by a generous donation from the Charlbury Society. The clock is on display in the museum from Saturday 29th August 2026.