The Ellicott family were prominent English clockmakers active from the late 17th to the early 19th century. The family's patriarch, John Ellicott (d. 1733), was admitted to the Clockmakers' Company in 1696 and served as its Warden from 1731 to 1733. His son, also named John Ellicott (1706–1772), gained prominence for his exceptional craftsmanship and contributions to horology. He developed a compensated pendulum in 1752 and popularized the use of the cylinder escapement, enhancing timekeeping accuracy. His expertise led to his appointment as Clockmaker to King George III.