Hickory, Dickory Dock . . .

. . . the swallow sat on the clock.

I visited Calke Abbey today, the un-stately home that has been repaired by the National Trust but not restored.  Looking into one of the gardeners' potting sheds I noticed this swallow perched on an old long case clock.  A pair of them have their nest up in the ceiling space but they are so used to visitors looking in that they just carry on as normal.  Do you think they use the clock to time their shifts incubating the eggs?

It's interesting to read all the old labels on the drawers.  I wonder what Borecole is or was or perhaps it is a variant spelling of broccoli.  The whole place is just like a giant time capsule frozen in time.

Edit:  Thanks to sk for the information that borecole is kale.