The judge adjourned and returned by pronouncing a sentence of death. His evidence was weakened by the fact he booked the coach in a false name and he had tried to eat the notes when caught, and the fact he had tried to flee. At his trial Henry gave a statement that he had received these notes as a settlement of a debt and he did not know they were forged. This will be given as a reference at the end of this piece. Interest in the trial was large in Bristol at the time and a full transcript of the trial is on public records. Henry stood trial on the 5th April 1800 and Charlotte on the 30th July 1800. Henry was taken to the inn where Charlotte was kept. One pursuer forced Henry to open his mouth, he found two more forged bills inside. Henry tried to dispose of other bills by eating them. Henry walked past this place and was recognized as Charlotte’s companion on the coach. She seemed ‘all in a tremor’, Charlotte was put in custody of a policeman who escorted her to the Swan Inn. It was in the last shop that the husband of the last shopkeeper noticed something strange about the bill and correctly deduced it to be a forgery. His companion Charlotte went on a shopping trip, she made payments with similar five pound bills in three different shops. He paid another bill with a five pound bill, on both occasions he received change. Henry paid the fare with a one pound Bank of England bill. He arrived with his companion Mrs Charlotte Holland in Chipping Sodbury on the morning coach from Bristol. Saturday, 4th Jan 1800 was the day when Henry Lane’s life changed for ever. Our client opened my eyes to this interesting story though and I give him special thanks. There is nothing really listed in the main clock reference books about him, other than he worked in Bristol and London. Anyone capable of such work, had to be of the highest order. It is rare for one to get a genuine 18th century musical example. The workmanship was of the highest order, and it included some very unusual features. You could tell though from the quality of this clock, he was a fantastic maker. Henry Lane was one I did not know anything about, clearly he was not a prolific clockmaker. Henry Lane Started Clockmaking in AustraliaĪs many of my readers are aware there are literally thousands of antique clockmakers. Movement of high quality playing 6 different possible tunes every hour. The dial with high quality matted centre, chapter ring/spandrels, recessed polished and engraved seconds and calendar, strike/silent to arch. Reeded chamfered sides with brass stringing to trunk and base. Lovely typical high quality Bristol cabinet with fretwork beneath swan neck pediments to hood. I hope you will agree it is a fantastic and rare 3 train musical mahogany Longcase clock of ‘8-day’ duration. He viewed and eventually purchase this magnificent clock. The power of the internet made it possible for a client in Australia to notice this clock and travel all the way from Australia to London, UK. Many years ago we had for sale a stunning Bristol antique clock by this maker at our retail antique clock shop in London, Pendulum of Mayfair Ltd. I have been associated with antique clocks all my life and I learnt about the story of Henry Lane from one of our clients. The Australian Antique Collector and the Power House Museum in Australia for their help. I need to pay special thanks to John Houstone, Kevin Fahy and Bill Bradshaw. The interesting story of the 18th century antique clock specialist Henry Lane. I will be looking at the start of clockmaking in Australia.
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