What is a Westminster chime?

A Westminster chime is a four-note melody played on quarter hours by mechanical clocks, originating from the quarters sounded by the clock tower at the Palace of Westminster. The sequence uses four permutations of four notes pitched in specific keys to mark each quarter of the hour before striking the full hour count.

What is the difference between a bracket clock and a mantel clock?

Bracket clocks historically rested on wall-mounted wooden brackets to keep them at eye level and away from damp tabletops. They typically feature robust carrying handles on top. Mantel clocks evolved to sit directly on fireplace ledges or furniture surfaces, featuring decorative cases made of wood, marble or metal suited for prominent domestic display.

Why do some clocks have tubular bells?

Tubular bell clocks suspend long brass or steel tubes inside the tall cases of grandmother and grandfather clocks to produce a deep, cathedral-like resonance. This system was patented in the late nineteenth century as an alternative to traditional cast bells. The suspended tubes create a sustained, echoing acoustic quality when struck by internal felt or leather hammers.