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The Bullock Family:
Two Hundred Years of Box Clockmakers Pat Whalley December 2014 I was watching an afternoon TV programme a few months ago, and a couple were being interviewed in their home. Behind them, in their living room stood a grandfather clock, on which could be clearly seen a maker's name Thomas Bullock, Corsham. This reminded me of my own grandparent's grandfather clock, which had on it John Bullock, Box, and set me on yet another journey of research and discovery. This was a family who plied their trade in this area for almost 200 years. It would be very interesting to know where their workmanship can be found today. Please tell us if you own a Bullock Clock. Left: Shop of Thomas Bullock, Pickwick Road, Corsham, circa 1880, "Around Corsham", Corsham Civic Society, page 27 |
Bullock Name
One would have expected to find that the name Bullock derived from a farming source but research on the family back to the 18th century on genealogy websites has produced no farming reference that can be attributed to this family.[1] They were clockmakers in Box and local area for two hundred years although it is possible that they date back even earlier.
Relying mostly on facts contained in a very helpful book by John Young, Wiltshire Watch and Clockmakers Vol 1, Chippenham, Marlborough, Swindon & North Wiltshire several details have been established of this quite prolific family business between 1725 and 1924.[2]
I am also most grateful to Brian and Joy Loomes for permission to use the illustrations below of a Wiltshire lantern clock made about 1710-20 by Zephaniah Bullock of Box, with many West Country features, converted later to English double-fusee spring-drive. The picture below left shows the clock after Brian Loomes' restoration work and below right before restoration.[3]
One would have expected to find that the name Bullock derived from a farming source but research on the family back to the 18th century on genealogy websites has produced no farming reference that can be attributed to this family.[1] They were clockmakers in Box and local area for two hundred years although it is possible that they date back even earlier.
Relying mostly on facts contained in a very helpful book by John Young, Wiltshire Watch and Clockmakers Vol 1, Chippenham, Marlborough, Swindon & North Wiltshire several details have been established of this quite prolific family business between 1725 and 1924.[2]
I am also most grateful to Brian and Joy Loomes for permission to use the illustrations below of a Wiltshire lantern clock made about 1710-20 by Zephaniah Bullock of Box, with many West Country features, converted later to English double-fusee spring-drive. The picture below left shows the clock after Brian Loomes' restoration work and below right before restoration.[3]
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A family tree which has been pieced together is attached, where it will be seen that the family took very seriously the continued use of names down the years. There are four Zephaniahs which in discussion will be identified as Zeph (1), Zeph (2) etc. and similarly for the six Thomas', four Johns and three Arthurs.
It is probable that most of the sons of each family were taught about clock- and watchmaking, but, whilst some are listed as being apprentice or assistant watchmakers, there is no evidence of their becoming recognised as professional in their chosen work. Those who have been identified on census or other documentation are shown on the Family Tree in bold red below.
It is probable that most of the sons of each family were taught about clock- and watchmaking, but, whilst some are listed as being apprentice or assistant watchmakers, there is no evidence of their becoming recognised as professional in their chosen work. Those who have been identified on census or other documentation are shown on the Family Tree in bold red below.
A long case clock by Thomas Bullock, signed T Bullock, Box about 1850. Illustration from John Young, Wiltshire Watch and Clockmakers Vol 1, p.44
Early Bullock Family in Box
It seems that one Zephaniah Bullock, born about 1725, is first identified in Box in the early 1750s, when his children were baptised in the local church. His occupation is shown as a watch & clockmaker. The first son of the marriage was also named Zephaniah [Zephaniah (2)], and after marriage to Elizabeth Shell at Box, they produced seven children, all boys. Zephaniah (2) also described himself as a watch and clockmaker. Five of the sons can later be proved on various censuses to be married and set up in business as watchmakers.
Now the family spread out a little – the children of Zeph (2) are born in Bradford (presume Bradford on Avon), Trowbridge, Corsham and Box. His brother Thomas (1) had a son born in Melksham. Further down the line they branched out towards Corsham and Chippenham.
In his will dated 1831 Zeph (2) named his executors as James Osmond, a carpenter and husband of daughter Elizabeth (Betty), and his daughter-in-law, Harriet (wife of John), and after small bequests to his other sons, they were to manage his property in Box and inherit the remainder of his assets. He died in 1832.
The Bullocks were now well established, and must have been well-known in this local area as watch and clock makers of repute. Thomas (2) Bullock of Box 1795, fifth son of Zeph (2), married Elizabeth, and had seven children – two boys, who naturally became watchmakers, and five girls.
It is difficult to trace the progress of the daughters, but it is believed that the first daughter of Thomas (2), Maryann, born 1820, married James Cannings from Box.[4] She is reputed to have brought money into the Cannings family as a result of her father's business at Corsham. Local knowledge tells us that in 1851 they were recorded as shopkeepers at Ashley with a young daughter, Grace, and a servant. At one time the couple ran a business hauling stone quarry blocks by horse and wagon. They apparently retired to live at Pye Corner, Box, where the family still live.
Bullocks in Corsham
In 1839 Thomas (2) had a business in Lacock Road, Corsham, and in 1848 he was located at Pickwick Road. Following the death of Thomas (2) about 1851, the family remained in Pickwick Road, and Thomas (3) (born 1821), moved from Priory Lane, where he had settled with his wife Mary and six children, to help to run the business. Thomas (3) is shown in local trades directories between 1861 and 1881 as conducting the business from Pickwick Road. His son, Stephen Merrett duly took over the responsibility from about 1885.
There is a photograph in Corsham Civic Societies book Around Corsham – of the Bullock's shop in Pickwick Road (see illustration at heading). Above the doorway is a clock set into the wall. The picture is presumed to date from about 1890. There is another Bullock clock in Corsham in Pickwick village, opposite the Two Pigs public house (below left).
It is known that there was a further clock from this period placed above the main door of Clock House, Box (since demolished to make room for the Co-op store) - see picture below right. Stephen is also known to have produced a turret clock for Neston Park Stables in 1859.
It seems that one Zephaniah Bullock, born about 1725, is first identified in Box in the early 1750s, when his children were baptised in the local church. His occupation is shown as a watch & clockmaker. The first son of the marriage was also named Zephaniah [Zephaniah (2)], and after marriage to Elizabeth Shell at Box, they produced seven children, all boys. Zephaniah (2) also described himself as a watch and clockmaker. Five of the sons can later be proved on various censuses to be married and set up in business as watchmakers.
Now the family spread out a little – the children of Zeph (2) are born in Bradford (presume Bradford on Avon), Trowbridge, Corsham and Box. His brother Thomas (1) had a son born in Melksham. Further down the line they branched out towards Corsham and Chippenham.
In his will dated 1831 Zeph (2) named his executors as James Osmond, a carpenter and husband of daughter Elizabeth (Betty), and his daughter-in-law, Harriet (wife of John), and after small bequests to his other sons, they were to manage his property in Box and inherit the remainder of his assets. He died in 1832.
The Bullocks were now well established, and must have been well-known in this local area as watch and clock makers of repute. Thomas (2) Bullock of Box 1795, fifth son of Zeph (2), married Elizabeth, and had seven children – two boys, who naturally became watchmakers, and five girls.
It is difficult to trace the progress of the daughters, but it is believed that the first daughter of Thomas (2), Maryann, born 1820, married James Cannings from Box.[4] She is reputed to have brought money into the Cannings family as a result of her father's business at Corsham. Local knowledge tells us that in 1851 they were recorded as shopkeepers at Ashley with a young daughter, Grace, and a servant. At one time the couple ran a business hauling stone quarry blocks by horse and wagon. They apparently retired to live at Pye Corner, Box, where the family still live.
Bullocks in Corsham
In 1839 Thomas (2) had a business in Lacock Road, Corsham, and in 1848 he was located at Pickwick Road. Following the death of Thomas (2) about 1851, the family remained in Pickwick Road, and Thomas (3) (born 1821), moved from Priory Lane, where he had settled with his wife Mary and six children, to help to run the business. Thomas (3) is shown in local trades directories between 1861 and 1881 as conducting the business from Pickwick Road. His son, Stephen Merrett duly took over the responsibility from about 1885.
There is a photograph in Corsham Civic Societies book Around Corsham – of the Bullock's shop in Pickwick Road (see illustration at heading). Above the doorway is a clock set into the wall. The picture is presumed to date from about 1890. There is another Bullock clock in Corsham in Pickwick village, opposite the Two Pigs public house (below left).
It is known that there was a further clock from this period placed above the main door of Clock House, Box (since demolished to make room for the Co-op store) - see picture below right. Stephen is also known to have produced a turret clock for Neston Park Stables in 1859.
Bullock Clock in Pickwick (photo courtesy CMP)
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Only-known picture of Clock House, Box, now Co-op (courtesy Jane Browning)
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More Bullocks in Box and Chippenham
The fifth son of Zeph (2), John Bullock (1798 - 1851), married Harriet Gardiner from Colerne, and they had ten children, all apparently born at Box. Between 1821 and 1832, John is recorded as a watch and clockmaker, and remained in that position, living in Box with his family, as recorded in 1851 census.
The second son of Thomas (2), John (2) (born 1827), also went into the business, and is recorded as working out of Westbury. Later, between 1855 and 1861 he is to be found plying his trade in Market Place, Chippenham. There is a record at Lacock Church of J Bullock receiving payment of 8s for work on the church clock, which may refer to John (2). It is believed that he retired pre-1878, as his nephew Thomas (3) 1853, who was previously apprenticed to him, and then described as an assistant watchmaker is announced as having taken over the business.
This nephew, Thomas, son of Thomas (2) above, retained the business in Chippenham from 1878, and in 1881-1891 he married Jane and had four sons. He died in 1903, and from 1903 to 1910 the business was continued by his sons, Thomas Perryman (4) and Arthur, under the heading Bullock Brothers. It seems the partnership was dissolved in 1910, and Thomas (4) ran the business alone at 40 Market Place Chippenham, until 1924 when a new proprietor arrived on the scene – Mr Reginald Roberts.
The fifth son of Zeph (2), John Bullock (1798 - 1851), married Harriet Gardiner from Colerne, and they had ten children, all apparently born at Box. Between 1821 and 1832, John is recorded as a watch and clockmaker, and remained in that position, living in Box with his family, as recorded in 1851 census.
The second son of Thomas (2), John (2) (born 1827), also went into the business, and is recorded as working out of Westbury. Later, between 1855 and 1861 he is to be found plying his trade in Market Place, Chippenham. There is a record at Lacock Church of J Bullock receiving payment of 8s for work on the church clock, which may refer to John (2). It is believed that he retired pre-1878, as his nephew Thomas (3) 1853, who was previously apprenticed to him, and then described as an assistant watchmaker is announced as having taken over the business.
This nephew, Thomas, son of Thomas (2) above, retained the business in Chippenham from 1878, and in 1881-1891 he married Jane and had four sons. He died in 1903, and from 1903 to 1910 the business was continued by his sons, Thomas Perryman (4) and Arthur, under the heading Bullock Brothers. It seems the partnership was dissolved in 1910, and Thomas (4) ran the business alone at 40 Market Place Chippenham, until 1924 when a new proprietor arrived on the scene – Mr Reginald Roberts.
World War 1
A Thomas Perryman Bullock is listed as a Corporal in the Queens Regiment Labour Corp. There were probably not many Thomas Perryman Bullocks at that time, but it cannot be confirmed that this was our man. Would he have stayed at home running the business, or would he have left it to one of his brothers to run?
There are hundreds of entries in the War records under the names of Reginald, Arthur and Jack Bullock (the names of three brothers) and no way to identify them for sure without further detailed research. So the possibility that they might have joined up is something to be pursued later perhaps.
A Thomas Perryman Bullock is listed as a Corporal in the Queens Regiment Labour Corp. There were probably not many Thomas Perryman Bullocks at that time, but it cannot be confirmed that this was our man. Would he have stayed at home running the business, or would he have left it to one of his brothers to run?
There are hundreds of entries in the War records under the names of Reginald, Arthur and Jack Bullock (the names of three brothers) and no way to identify them for sure without further detailed research. So the possibility that they might have joined up is something to be pursued later perhaps.
Jane and her brother Peter Browning Have Added to this Article
This Z Bullock grandmother clock belonged to Walter Browning (1855-1908) and his wife Jane Elizabeth Browning (1855-1924) of Box and is thought to be early 19th century. It is still in the Browning family, having been passed down through the male line. Photos courtesy Peter Browning.
This Z Bullock grandmother clock belonged to Walter Browning (1855-1908) and his wife Jane Elizabeth Browning (1855-1924) of Box and is thought to be early 19th century. It is still in the Browning family, having been passed down through the male line. Photos courtesy Peter Browning.
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More Bullock Clocks
Phil Martin
I have a John Bullock grandfather clock which is still working well. It originally belonged to my grandfather, George Martin, who was a smallholder and lived at Spencer's Farmhouse, Ashley (grandmother was Susannah Spencer)
Bob Elmes
Thought I should let you know I have a long cased clock made by Z Bullock Box. It has been in my family for 60 plus years. Still going strong after all these years. I live in Noosa, Queensland, Australia.
Julian Goodacre
I am really pleased to learn something about Bullock of Box. My brother owns a painted face 8 day Bullock of Box longcase clock which he bought for a fiver when he was at Oxford about 55 years ago. It is currently in my possession and I am having a friend restore the case... I need to check over the movement. It is quite a late clock and not of very great quality.
I have some vague idea that we will be selling it once we have it all together. I would be happy to send you a photo, but it might be quite a while before I have it all reassembled. Currently it is one of about 200 project that I need to get around to; I spend most of my time getting on with making bagpipes..... I have printed out your article and will keep it with the clock. Thanks again for the article, which a piping customer of mine directed me to.
Visit Julian's fascinating website: www.goodbagpipes.com
Phil Martin
I have a John Bullock grandfather clock which is still working well. It originally belonged to my grandfather, George Martin, who was a smallholder and lived at Spencer's Farmhouse, Ashley (grandmother was Susannah Spencer)
Bob Elmes
Thought I should let you know I have a long cased clock made by Z Bullock Box. It has been in my family for 60 plus years. Still going strong after all these years. I live in Noosa, Queensland, Australia.
Julian Goodacre
I am really pleased to learn something about Bullock of Box. My brother owns a painted face 8 day Bullock of Box longcase clock which he bought for a fiver when he was at Oxford about 55 years ago. It is currently in my possession and I am having a friend restore the case... I need to check over the movement. It is quite a late clock and not of very great quality.
I have some vague idea that we will be selling it once we have it all together. I would be happy to send you a photo, but it might be quite a while before I have it all reassembled. Currently it is one of about 200 project that I need to get around to; I spend most of my time getting on with making bagpipes..... I have printed out your article and will keep it with the clock. Thanks again for the article, which a piping customer of mine directed me to.
Visit Julian's fascinating website: www.goodbagpipes.com
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Brian Steptoe
I have just seen the article about the Bullock family in Box. I have a Thos Bullock grandfather clock which is operating and a fine timekeeper. I live in Wokingham, Berkshire and it was inherited from my father and he inherited it from my grandfather, Harry Steptoe. Harry Steptoe lived in Witney, Oxfordshire. I think I first saw the clock in their Witney home during WWII. |
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Richard Dear
The internet is a wonderful thing…I have a longcase made by a Zep Bullock dated 1760, a wedding gift purchased in Tetbury about 1989. You will be pleased to know it works faultlessly and on the face says Zep Bullock of Box.
The internet is a wonderful thing…I have a longcase made by a Zep Bullock dated 1760, a wedding gift purchased in Tetbury about 1989. You will be pleased to know it works faultlessly and on the face says Zep Bullock of Box.
Bullock Family Tree
Courtesy Pat Whalley
Courtesy Pat Whalley
| bullock_family_tree2.pdf |
Sources
[1] There is an indication that the family were previously farming in Crewkerne Somerset, but this cannot be proved.
[2] John Young, Wiltshire Watch and Clockmakers Vol 1, Chippenham, Marlborough, Swindon & North Wiltshire
[3] There are many fascinating examples of Brian Loomes' work at http://www.brianloomes.com/index.html
[4] See Janice Cannings, Cannings Family Story
[1] There is an indication that the family were previously farming in Crewkerne Somerset, but this cannot be proved.
[2] John Young, Wiltshire Watch and Clockmakers Vol 1, Chippenham, Marlborough, Swindon & North Wiltshire
[3] There are many fascinating examples of Brian Loomes' work at http://www.brianloomes.com/index.html
[4] See Janice Cannings, Cannings Family Story