UK's longest Foucault Pendulum set for historic demonstration at Preston's Harris Museum

The Harris Museum and Art Gallery demonstrated the UK's longest Foucault pendulum on Thursday, 11th September 2025, marking a significant milestone in both scientific education and cultural heritage preservation.

The impressive 35-metre pendulum, which surpasses the London Science Museum's 22.45-metre installation, has been precision-calibrated and set in motion by University of Lancashire academics, offering a rare glimpse into the intersection of 19th-century scientific innovation and cutting-edge modern technology.

Dr Brett Patterson, pendulum project scientist and senior lecturer in physics at the University of Lancashire who built the pendulum's sophisticated electronic systems said: "This pendulum represents more than just a scientific instrument – it's a living demonstration of our planet's rotation and a testament to the enduring power of scientific curiosity. 

"At 35 metres, this is not just the longest pendulum in the UK, but a precision instrument that has taken months of careful calibration to achieve perfect operation."

 The Foucault pendulum, originally installed in 1909 and reinstated in 1992, demonstrates one of physics' most elegant proofs of Earth's rotation.

As the heavy pendulum swings in a fixed direction relative to the stars, the Earth rotates beneath it, creating the illusion that the pendulum's plane of oscillation is shifting when viewed from the ground.

Prof Derek Ward-Thompson, pendulum project adviser and director of the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute of the University of Lancashire, said: "What makes this installation special is not just its impressive length, but the sophisticated modern systems we've integrated to ensure reliable, long-term operation. This fusion of historical significance and contemporary technology exemplifies the best of both scientific heritage and innovation."

The launch forms part of The Harris’ highly anticipated reopening on 28th September following a £19m transformation, one of the most significant cultural investments in Preston's history.

The renovated museum will feature exhibitions including work by Preston-born Nick Park, creator of Wallace and Gromit, alongside new commissions by international artists.

Coun Anna Hindle, cabinet member for culture and arts at Preston City Council, said: "The Harris has always been at the heart of Preston's cultural life. The pendulum perfectly encapsulates our vision – respecting our scientific and cultural heritage while embracing innovative approaches to public engagement with science and the arts."

Helen Featherstone, director, England North, at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "The restoration of The Harris’ historic Foucault pendulum is a wonderful focal point that also highlights what we aim to achieve through our funding – preserving our remarkable heritage while making it accessible and inspiring for new generations.

 “It is fantastic to see University of Lancashire’s cutting-edge Physics expertise breathe new life into this 35-metre Victorian scientific wonder thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.

"We're proud that our funding is helping to ensure this exceptional piece of scientific history continues to educate and inspire visitors for years to come, and that it will play a key attraction in the wider transformation of The Harris."

Neal Charlton, director, Buttress Architects said: “As part of the restoration, we introduced a new timber-framed glass roof-light at the centre of the building’s roof.

"This carefully positioned intervention allowed the Foucault pendulum to be rehung precisely in the atrium’s central axis — a significant improvement from its previous off-centre location.

"Now suspended just above the floor, the pendulum sits exactly dead centre, reaffirming the building’s geometric accuracy and alignment — a testament to the original Victorian design of The Harris.

“This reinstates the historic experiment that elegantly demonstrates the earth’s rotation, and it’s a moment of architectural and scientific resonance made possible through the support of National Lottery Heritage Funding.”