Extract from The Changing Face Of Warminster by Wilfred Middlebrook, published in 1971:
Another link with the past can be seen at No.37, for years the premises of Chambers, the clockmaker, now converted into a modern jeweller’s called Whitford. There was a Chambers of Warminster in 1845, and in 1851 he brought an ornate clock from the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace. Over four feet high, this magnificent clock was decorated with carvings representing the fruits of the earth and other agricultural products. The adornments remained, with the clock in a prominent position above the shop, but a modern electric clock nestled in this ornate frame until recently, when it was removed.
Warminster has been noted in the past for its clock and watchmakers, one of the earliest being Edward Cockey. The death of his daughter Ann was recorded at the Parish Church in 1794, and it is also recorded that the Cockeys for several generations were iron and bell founders in Warminster, but most of them migrated to Frome. Edward Cockey made four astronomical longcase clocks around 1735, one of which can still be seen in the main hall at Longleat. Another Cockey clock could be seen in Old Dilton Church thirty years ago and may still be seen there. It is said that many of Edward Cockey’s patrons were the nobility of London.
Other old-time clockmakers include Isaac Debnam, a Unitarian who had a blacksmith’s shop by the Organ inn, at the foot of High Street. For some unknown reason he was nicknamed “Old Scrubber Deadman.” The Organ inn was once kept by Humphrey Chambers, brother of O. B. Chambers.
William Webb, watchmaker, died 1776; John Moore, his son-in-law, another watchmaker, died 1796, and James Moore was a clockmaker here in 1800. Henry Stephenson was a clockmaker, with several grandfather clocks to his name. Samuel Tyte was a clock and watchmaker who died in 1832; his premises were reported as being on the site of the Corn Exchange, but as this was originally the Red Lion his shop must presumably have been part of the conglomeration of old buildings that stood there.