Clock that stood silent for 15 years ticks again

A Victorian clock that had stood silent for more than 15 years has been brought back to life after a restoration project.

The clock, which sits above the gatehouse at the Grade I listed Newburgh Priory, near Coxwold in the North York Moors, had been frozen at 10:59 after frost damage dislodged one of its stone dials and trapped the hands.

Following a £17,000 restoration project, the almost 170-year-old clock is keeping time and striking on the hour once again.

Paul Robson, from the Newburgh Priory Estate, said seeing the clock working again was "like welcoming back an old friend".

"Once again it is the focal point of the gatehouse building, which is the first thing visitors see," he said.

"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."

The work was supported by a £13,000 grant from conservation group the Howardian Hills Partnership through the Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme, which offers grants for projects in National Parks.

The remainder was funded by the Newburgh Priory Estate itself.

The clock was made in 1858 by York-based clockmakers Darling and Wood, which also supplied clocks for the Northeastern Railway company.

After a stonemason repaired the damaged tower and re-fitted the clock's dials, engineer Terry Hill restored the mechanism, cleaning and repairing the workings and striking hammer.

Hill, from the Castleford area, had previously serviced the clock more than 30 years ago.

"I've worked with clocks since I was 16 years old," he said.

"I still get a huge thrill out of bringing a clock back to life, especially after it's been stopped for so many years."

Nick Burrows, of the Howardian Hills Partnership, said the organisation was delighted to support the project.

"We have supported a number of projects to revive historic farm buildings at the Priory, keeping them in local life and we are delighted with the outcome."

Newburgh Priory was founded by Augustinian monks in 1145.

The remains of the medieval priory can still be seen alongside the family home, which was developed from the 17th Century.

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