The Small Hermitage

The Pavillion Hall in the Small Hermitage was created in the middle of 19th century. Here is where you find  the Peacock Clock : the only large 18th century automaton in the world which is still functioning in its unaltered state.

 

 

The Peacock Clock

This clock was created by James Cox in 1797. The figures of a peacock, cockerel and owl form part of this elaborate timepiece.

1. The cage of the owl will rotate on the hour. Little bells will ring and the owl will turn its head from left to right , blinking its eyes and tapping its right foot. The cage makes 12 rotation then stops.

2. 90 seconds later, the peacock will spread its tail, stretches its neck, turns and throw back its head and opens its beak before returning to its original position and folding its tail and lowerinig its head.

3. Then it is the cockerel 's turn to shake its head before crowing.