The clock overhanging the street, topped by the figure of a naval officer affectionately known as the Little Admiral, is one of York's most familiar sights. Indeed, when we consider the appearances in guidebooks, postcards and on the internet it is probably one of the best known public clocks in the country after that on the Palace of Westminster. There has been a clock there since 1668, the figure since 1778, and although the present clock movement in the tower was made in 1966 the outward appearance from the street is practically identical to the way it looked in 1856. Even for those for whom the sight is so familiar that they have stopped noticing it, the temporary gap whilst it is removed for refurbishment will come as a shock.
Why remove it?
The present clock bracket was made in 1856. It survived the 1942 bombing and was put back in 1966 when the clock was restored by Mr Geoffrey Newey. Despite regular repainting the effects of corrosion became apparent as the years passed. In addition, in the winter of 2010/11 the bracket suffered damage from what is believed to have been a large construction vehicle. The church was advised that the best way of protecting it for future generations was to strip it back to the bare metal and give it a modern epoxy coating which will be more effective and longer lasting than traditional paint. Removing the bracket means that a better job can be made of it and avoids the inconvenience of scaffolding in a busy street.
Whilst it is away the opportunity will be taken to conserve and repaint the naval figure and the head of Father Time which was carved in wood in the 1960s to replace that damaged in the 1942 fire. Before it returns the bracket will be regilded and the dial lighting replaced.
When will it be back?
Restoration work should not be rushed. The epoxy finish needs time to cure before it is gilded, and the work needed on the admiral and head of Father Time cannot be properly assessed until they can be expertly examined on the ground. We hope that everything will be back looking better than ever by Easter 2012 at the very latest.
How has it been possible?
The restoration work is being done by the Cumbria Clock Company of Penrith, who have built a reputation on many prestigious projects including the clock at the Palace of Westminster and the astronomical clock at Hampton Court. Funding is provided by the parish trust, for which we thank the trustees for their support, and the City of York Council has aided the work by facilitating the necessary street closures so the lifting work can take place and has forgone the usual fees for this. But a great debt is also owed to those enthusiasts and lovers of the clock who have offered their advice and been keeping the clock wound weekly. Thanks should go most of all to Mr Geoffrey Newey who built the present clock and devotedly kept it in excellent condition until his retirement from the task in April 2011.
Find out more
For photographs and more information about the clock see the gallery page.
For more about the history of the clocks since 1668 see this page.