Historic town clock returns to high street

The clock was removed at the end of last year for the first time since its arrival in 1935, after it began losing time.

It was originally estimated it would return in January.

However, after being taken down and removed from its case an inspection found the interior workings had completely rusted through.

Determined horologist, Gordon Hoare, and Locksmith &amp Joiner, Martin Leadbeater, have spent the past six months working hard to restore the clock to its former glory.

The dials and movement were completely stripped down and overhauled and the casing carefully reassembled and powder-coated to preserve it for another eighty years.

In addition, there’s a further surprise for late night shoppers

For more than 30 years the internal lighting system inside the clock hasn’t worked, but during its renovation the problem was rectified and now everyone can enjoy the illuminated glow of the clock face after dark.

Dominic Wakefield said: “During the course of the eight decades Wakefields’ clock had not only been a source of timekeeping to the busy shoppers going about their daily business but had become a meeting place, a landmark and part of the heart of the town, holding great sentimental value to those who grew up in the area.

“Almost unrecognisable from its old, dishevelled state, the new clock face is a shining reflection of the hard work, perseverance and love for preserving history that has gone into returning the clock to its former working condition.”

The clock itself is part of an extremely unique design.

It is one of a few left in the country run by another long case clock, located inside the store, called a Synchronome.

The system used to be fairly common in Britain, you can see some of those clocks in the Greenwich museum, but there are not many left in the country, meaning Wakefields Jeweller’s clock is incredibly rare.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage at www.wscountytimes.co.uk

2 Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wscountytimes

3 Follow us on Twitter @wscountytimes

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

The County Times – always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.