Thomas Tompion (1639–1713) was an English master clockmaker and watchmaker known today as the father of English watchmaking[citation needed]. His work includes some of the most important clocks and watches in the world and his work commands huge prices whenever it appears at auction. His apprentices included George Allett, Edward Banger, Henry Carlowe, Daniel Delander, Ricard Ems, Ambrose Gardner, Obadiah Gardner, William Graham (nephew of George Graham), George Harrison, Whitestone Littlemore, Jerimiah Martin, Charles Molins, William Mourlay, Charles Murray, Robert Pattison, William Sherwood, Richard Street, Charles Sypson, William Thompson, James Tunn and Thomas White many of whom became important clockmakers in their own right. Thomas Tompion was born around 1639 and was baptized on 25 July 1639 in Northill, Bedfordshire, England. He was the eldest son of a blacksmith, also named