Cromwell's Watch
The Cromwell Museum in Huntingdon is delighted to announce that it has secured for its collections a remarkable artefact, a small pocket watch which is believed to have belonged to Oliver Cromwell. The watch was briefly displayed at the museum in 2024, and after a public appeal, together with generous grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Art Fund, it has now been secured. It is now on permanent display at the museum in Huntingdon.
The watch is of a plain ‘Puritan’ style, in a silver case, and would have indicated the date as well as the time using a clockwork mechanism wound daily. It was made by the London watchmaker William Clay, who lived on the same street as Cromwell in 1647. Cromwell is believed to have given the watch as a gift to one of his officers, John Blackwell, whilst on campaign in 1650; it was then passed down through his descendants until sold by the family in 2019 to the owner who then offered it for sale to the Museum. It is one of only two watches with a reasonable provenance to have belonged to Cromwell, the other being in the collections of the British Museum.
John Blackwell was an officer in Cromwell’s regiment during the Civil War, his military treasurer and married to one of his cousins. Blackwell worked for Cromwell during the Republic, then after the Restoration emigrated to America, where he was appointed by William Penn as Governor of Pennsylvania. He returned to England by 1694 and died in London in 1701.
This purchase has been enabled by a generous grant from Art Fund, with a contribution from the Wolfson Foundation. National Lottery Heritage Fund provided the balance of the purchase price, as well as support for a case to display the watch securely and the development of a related education programme. Further funds were generously donated by many members of the public, as well as small grants from the Cromwell Association and Sealed Knot Society.
Stuart Orme, Curator of the Cromwell Museum said “This is a small and astonishingly beautiful item, a fine example of the 17th century watchmaker’s art, and we’re delighted to give it a permanent and appropriate home here in Huntingdon. We’re so grateful for all the support we’ve received in this purchase, particularly from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Art Fund.”
Liz Bates, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Heritage Lottery Fund, said: "We're pleased to have helped bring Oliver Cromwell's watch home to Huntingdon, to the independent museum in the very building where he went to school. Made possible by National Lottery players, this acquisition will help the Cromwell Museum draw new audiences and share this nearly 400-year-old object with Huntingdonshire residents and visitors."
Jenny Waldman, Director, Art Fund, said: “This beautifully made watch, with its exceptional provenance, is a marvellous addition to the Cromwell Museum’s collection. I'm delighted that Art Fund has been able to support this acquisition, thanks to our National Art Pass members and supporters, whose generosity helps museums acquire and share remarkable objects for everyone to enjoy.”
Cromwell’s watch is now on permanent display at the Cromwell Museum during normal museum opening hours.
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.
Over the next 10 years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.
Follow @HeritageFundUK on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter and use #NationalLottery #HeritageFund
About Art Fund
Art Fund is the national charity for museums and galleries. For over 120 years, it has helped institutions across the UK to develop and share their collections, invest in people and expertise, grow their audiences and inspire the next generation.
Art Fund connects museums and people with great art and culture through funding, advocacy and initiatives, because access to art is vital for a healthy society. It champions the sector through the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year award - the world’s largest museum prize - and supports museum professionals through dedicated training and grant programmes.
Independent and people-powered, Art Fund is supported by 142,000 members who buy a National Art Pass, as well as generous contributions from individuals, trusts and foundations. The National Art Pass offers free or discounted entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places in the UK, 50% off major exhibitions, a subscription to Art Quarterly magazine and Art In Your Inbox newsletter.
What is believed to be Oliver Cromwell's watch
Interior of the watch showing the signature of the maker, William Clay.
William Clay's signature
Close-up of the watch face.
