Gros Horloge

About this place

The Gros-Horloge is an astronomical clock from the 14th century in Rouen, Normandy. The clock is installed in a Renaissance arch crossing the Rue du Gros-Horloge. The mechanism is one of the oldest in France, the movement having been made in 1389. Construction of the clock was started by Jourdain del Leche who lacked the necessary expertise to finish the task, so the work was completed by Jean de Felain, who became the first to hold the position of governor of the clock. The clock was originally constructed without a dial, with one revolution of the hour-hand representing twenty-four hours. The movement is cast in wrought iron, and at approximately twice the size of the Wells Cathedral clock, it is perhaps the largest such mechanism still extant. Begin with the overall setting, then look more closely at the details described in the site history. This connects the monument with the city around it and helps distinguish its original purpose from the meanings it acquired in later generations.