The beautiful surroundings of Newburgh Priory, near Coxwold, North Yorkshire, may seem timeless, but one measure of the passing hours has been put back on track.
For over 15 years the Priory’s clock, centrepiece of a grand 18th century Georgian façade, had been stopped at 10.59 am and has also suffered from frost damage. This dislodged and pushed out one of the stone clock dials, trapping the clock hands and stopping the internal mechanism.
For a while at least the clock’s hourly chime was silenced. But now time has been restored as work has been completed on a £17,000 restoration project, supported by a £13,000 Farming in Protected Landscapes grant, administered through the Howardian Hills Partnership.
Paul Robson, from Newburgh Priory Estate, said: “Seeing the clock working again is like welcoming back an old friend. Once again it is the focal point of the gatehouse building, which is the first thing visitors see. Measuring time has been an essential part of regulating life at Newburgh Priory from monastic days to more recent times. The clock is also nearly 170 years old, so it’s a slice of history in itself.”
Nick Burrows from the Howardian Hills Partnership added: “We have supported a number of projects to revive historic farm buildings at the Priory, keeping them in agricultural use. A working clock is very much part of the fabric of local life and we are delighted with the outcome.”
The clock’s revival is also a source of satisfaction to veteran engineer, Terry Hill, who lives near Castleford in West Yorkshire. He last serviced this very mechanism over 30 years ago. After a mason restored the clock tower’s stonework and re-fitted the clock dials, Terry repaired, cleaned and waxed the delicate machinery and striking hammer.
“I’ve worked with clocks since I was 16 years old,” explained Terry, who has spent five decades keeping Yorkshire’s public timepieces ticking. “I still get a huge thrill out of bringing a clock back to life, especially after it’s been stopped for so many years.”
The clock was made in 1858 by Darling and Wood, based on Coney Street in York. They also supplied high-quality clocks to the North Eastern Railway Company for use across its network.
Newburgh Priory was founded by Augustinian monks in 1145, the ruins of which can still be seen alongside the more recent family house. It was built from the 17th century onwards and is reputedly the resting place of some of Oliver Cromwell’s remains.