Castle Rushen Clock Face restored
Castle clock has its new face restored
Castle Rushen’s iconic clock has regained its face. Manx National Heritage made the most of fine weather today and abseilers from the Venture Centre reinstated the clock face.
The face was removed in October for restoration; the sign writing in gold and redecorating was done by local company JCK Ltd. The cost of this aspect of the work, including its installation, was £5,000.
Chris Weeks, objects conservator at MNH said the face dates from the 1980s. He said:‘It is is not an historic object in its own right.’ He added the design on its face probably follows the original as it has been copied numerous times over the centuries.
Roy Cottage is a Self Catering Manx holiday cottage, situated on the sea front, in Castletown, the ancient capital of the Isle of Man. Bringing news to the visitor of the Isle of Man.
The face complements a newly restored clock mechanism which is very historic. ‘Thanks to carbon dating we can date it to 1577 plus or minus 20 years,’ he said. ‘So the attribution to Elizabeth I on the face means it’s possible she does have a connection. She had direct control over the island temporarily for a short number of years (at that time).’ He added the restoration project has ‘stretched us quite lot’. He said: ‘It was technically very challenging … to keep it running after all those years is gratifying.’
Their research highlighted how special the clock is, said Chris. MNH intends to update information on the clock in the castle’s clock room within a year.
The clock isn’t wound yet, however, but will be ticking from February 6 2016.