Extract from another thread about this -On the top and front of his premises are two large electric time-balls in direct communication with the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, which, for the benefit of the public, fall daily at 1pm., thereby enabling everyone to have 'correct' Greenwich time.To enumerate his specialities is no part of the scope of this present work. Suffice it to say that for the novelty, elegance of workmanship, and durability, they have already stood the test of 25 years public favour; and an ever-increasing business demonstrates the fact that Mr Dyson still holds the fieldIn later times, was the case that the ball fell as the window displays were dropped to the basement when the shop closed, a security move rather than emptying the winows each day I understand!
To elaborate on the everyone being on the same time theme. I believe it was due to the arrival of the trains. It suddenly became important that everyone knew exactly what the time was.
Does anyone know what they are doing in there? I thought the interior was listed as well as the facade, but while the builders were in the other day I spied a horrid repro 70's bar going in...?