A NORTH Dorset auction house is set to sell a selection of clocks, which date from the 17th to the mid-20th century.

The two-day Charterhouse sale, set for June 10/11 at its Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, includes a longcase clock which dates back to a few years before the Great Fire of London and has an estimated price of between £3,000 and £5,000.

Auctioneer Richard Bromell said: "Generally wherever you are today, you will easily be able to see what the time is.

"Whether in the car, sitting at your desk or watching the telly, there will be a wristwatch, clock or mobile phone all of which will give you the accurate time."

"Whilst we take this all for granted today, for centuries if you wanted to know what the time was you relied on the village or town clock, not that it stops us from being late today."

The longcase clock, circa 1660, has a dial signed Fabian Robin Londini Fecit.

It is fitted with a sophisticated eight day five pillar movement striking the hours on a bell.

Another clock, dating to the end of the 19th century, is a carriage clock.

Made in Paris circa 1870, Charterhouse says this was an expensive travelling clock and remains so today with an unusual bird mounted carrying handle.

It will go under the hammer with an estimate of £800-£1,200.