A beloved 123-year-old clock has finally resumed its timekeeping duties on a historic Warwickshire pub, following a significant community-focused restoration project.
A Timepiece Steeped in History
The iconic clock, attached to The Clock pub on Long Street in Atherstone, was originally commissioned by then-landlord Henry Watts for the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902. Hundreds attended its official opening ceremony that year. Watts, who also owned the on-site White Bear Brewery, ran the establishment until his death in 1911.
For over a century, the clock has been a constant feature for the Atherstone community, even as the pub changed hands. However, its journey hasn't been without incident. It suffered damage during the famously rowdy Atherstone Shrove Tuesday Ball Games in the 1950s and was later struck by a storm in 1962, requiring its first-ever removal for repairs.
The £6,000 Journey Back to Life
In recent years, the clock's traditional hand-wound mechanism succumbed to age and technical faults, leaving its face silent. Bringing the historic timepiece into 2025 required a £6,000 investment to upgrade its workings to withstand modern outdoor conditions.
For local Pub Operator Tracey Mitchell, getting the clock ticking was a priority. "The clock is the feature we’re most proud of at our pub," said Mitchell. "It’s the pride of Long Street... Many locals who have lived in Atherstone for decades are always telling us how much they would love to see the clock working again, and I was determined to be the one to get it up-and-running."
A Community Celebration
The restoration was timed perfectly for the town's Dickins Day celebrations, allowing the community to admire the working clock during the weekend event. The pub, located just a 30-minute drive from Birmingham, is a hub for locals, offering drinks deals and community initiatives.
"We’ve already had some lovely comments on how thrilled people are to see it telling the time once again," added Mitchell, highlighting the deep affection residents hold for this piece of living history. The successful project ensures that, after years of silence, the clock's familiar face will once again mark the hours for generations to come.
