In 1264, the mechanical clock was further developed in Europe, particularly in Italy and England. This innovation allowed for more precise timekeeping, which was crucial for various aspects of daily life, including religious practices and commerce. The advent of the mechanical clock represented a significant technological advancement, leading to the establishment of public clocks in towns and cities, thus changing how people perceived and organized time.

The introduction of the mechanical clock influenced poets and writers by introducing themes of time and mortality into their works. For instance, Geoffrey Chaucer, who would write in the following century, often explored the passage of time in his poetry, reflecting the societal changes brought about by this invention. The clock became a metaphor for the human condition, shaping the literary landscape of the era.