The Hampton Court astronomical clock, installed in 1540 on Anne Boleyn Gate at Hampton Court Palace, is one of the most recognisable features of the palace. Designed by Nicholas Kratzer (c. 1487–1550), a German astronomer, and built by Nicholas Oursian, a French Huguenot clockmaker, it exemplifies the craftsmanship and scientific understanding of the 16th century. Created just a few years before the crucial discoveries of Copernicus and Galileo, the clock reflects the geocentric view of the time, with the earth depicted as a small globe at the centre and the sun revolving around it on a pointer.
Measuring over 3 metres in diameter, the clock features three copper dials that display the time, lunar phases, zodiac signs, and high tide times at London Bridge, making it a practical tool for navigation on the Thames. It has undergone major restorations over the centuries, including significant work in 1711 and 1831, with the most recent restoration completed in 2009.
