This film is part of Free
Tick-tock, tick-tock...the home of British time-keeping at Greenwich.
Non-Fiction 1928 1 mins Silent
A treat for horology fans, this short film showcases one of the most important clocks ever made - the Shepherd Gate Clock, mounted outside London's Royal Greenwich Observatory. An integral part of Britain's time system, the clock was also the first to display Greenwich Mean Time to the public. A pan of the beautiful Observatory buildings, overlooking Greenwich Park, reveals the clock in situ.
Installed by Charles Shepherd in 1852, the Shepherd Gate Clock is an early example of an electric slave clock, controlled by electric pulses transmitted from a master clock inside the building. The time observed by the Shepherd master clock was instrumental in establishing a standardised time system across Britain. The clock remains something of a tourist attraction today, as it was when this film was made - notice the healthy crowd of visitors outside the Observatory. Digitisation supported by the London Topographical Society.
Non-Fiction 1910 1 mins Silent Location: Trafalgar Square
Spot the changes and continuities in this majestic Edwardian panorama of Trafalgar Square.
Non-Fiction 1910 0 mins Silent Location: Woolwich
Woolwich candidates face the voters in the first of 1910's two general elections.
Non-Fiction 1913 2 mins Silent Location: Bloomsbury
The funeral procession of suffragette Emily Davison - fatally injured at the Epsom Derby - passes through London to her final resting place in Morpeth.
Non-Fiction 1914 1 mins Silent Location: Eltham
Magnificent artillery horses and their youthful riders parade the streets of Eltham as rapt locals look on.
Non-Fiction 1914 1 mins Silent Location: Hendon
Spectacular feats of early aviation at Hendon Aerodrome, North London.
Non-Fiction 1914 6 mins Silent Location: Westminster
A revealing tour of London's notable buildings - some now lost for ever - which uncovers their intriguing histories.
1925 1 mins Silent Location: Greenwich
King George V and Queen Mary celebrate the 250th anniversary of astronomy at Greenwich.
Amateur film 1967 12 mins Silent Location: Ramsgate
Join the jolly crew aboard this cabin cruiser as it journeys from Ramsgate to Richmond in John Clague's fascinating maritime epic
Amateur film 1982 21 mins Location: Whitstable
Come along for a unique journey on the Waverley - the last sea going paddle steamer in the world - and London is our destination
Documentary 1955 16 mins Location: Westminster
Discover the history of the Thames River Police with a rather different tour of London's iconic river.
Amateur film 1973 1 mins Silent Location: Greenwich
Stand on the Prime Meridian line at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich and wonder at lost views across the River Thames
Short documentary 2021 5 mins
Lydia West (It’s A Sin) introduces debbie tucker green’s ethereal, warm and human debut feature.
Drama 1965 5 mins
The powerful, multifaceted spirt and energies of the revolutionary 1960s are channelled in dynamic, monochrome microcosm.
Short documentary 2021 5 mins
Susan Wokoma introduces Alice Lowe’s slasher comedy Prevenge, reflecting on Lowe’s journey making and starring in the film while pregnant, and her rich palette of classic influences.
Performance 1990 27 mins
The Bow Gamelan Ensemble stage spectacular avant-garde musical shows.
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1973 15 mins
An elderly man takes a hypnotic journey through his memories in the moments before his death.
Documentary 1969 12 mins
The supreme intent and personal biography of a Black Panther contrasts with the alienating propaganda of late-night television.
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