This clock tower was constructed to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887 but was not complete until 1889. The clock tower was one of many options to celebrate this special event, some of these included a free library, an extension to the cottage hospital, a new town hall and many others. The local council appealed to the public for subscriptions towards the project and also set up a competition for the design of the tower. 63 entries were entered and eventually the design by Mr. Kaufman was chosen. A total of £2,100 was raised, bust some of this money was to be used on other events also. Due to the lack of funds raised a cheaper design by Mr. Henry Arthur Cheers was used to construct the clock tower. The construction was finally handed over in a civic ceremony on the 24th May 1889. The tower holds five bells and above these was a time ball which used to raise just before 1pm and drop on the hour. The time ball has not worked for many years. The bells were replaced in 1908 by Gillett & Johnson, Croydon. Serious mechanical have occurred due to salt spray over the years meaning the clock has not functioned for long periods due to the cost of repair being usually quoted as quite high.
Posted on: Sat, 17 Aug 2013 18:52:31 +0000