Why is a grandfather clock called a grandfather clock?

Answer 1

In 1876 an American gentleman named Henry Clay Work was visiting England.

He visited a place in Piercebridge, North Yorkshire called The George Inn which is just off the A67. While he was there he saw what is also known as a longcase, or tall case, clock standing in the hallway.The clock was not going and it was explained to Mr.Work that it had never worked since its owner, an old man, had died. Mr.Work was so taken up by this that when he returned home he wrote what is now the popular song,"MY GRANDFATHER'S CLOCK" and it is from that song that grandfather clocks got their name.

The clock is still at the George Inn and is still not working.

In the United States the term Grandfather clock has stuck and some try to differentiate sizes by using the terms Grandmother clock and Granddaughter clock. The sizes and terms are subjective.

Answer 2

Grandmother clocks are smaller versions of grandfather clocks.

Although there is no specifically defined difference among these terms, the general perception seems to be that a clock smaller than 5 feet or 1.5 meters is a granddaughter; over 5 feet or 1.5 meters is a grandmother; and over 6 feet or1.8 meters is a grandfather.

Answer 3

In the late 1200's many clocks were very heavy and large ornate objects. The clocks were divided into sizes, and the term grandfather was deemed the name of the largest clocks of the time.