Restoration returns Clumber Park clock to its striking former glory

What started out as a general sprucing up had to be turned into a major structural repair, after the clock's supporting oak columns were found to have been damaged by death watch beetles.

Along with replacing the oak supports, repairs have been made to the weather vane, new lead work has been carried out and the clock face has been repainted and re-gilded.

Trevor Pressley, visitor services manager at Clumber Park, said: "We are delighted to have the clock back to its former splendour.

"It is the crowning glory to the facilities and we hope our visitors take pleasure in listening to the bell gently strike on the hour and the quarters as they enjoy their time in the park."

The restoration work was also an opportunity to determine the original colour of the clock face. Experts did a "paint scrape" to look at the many layers under a microscope and, as a result, were able to return the clock to its original shade of blue.

The clock dates back to the 1760s when the original – now lost – house at Clumber Park was built, along with its still surviving stableyards and park. It was designed by the scientist John Whitehurst.