Few landmarks are as instantly recognisable as Elizabeth Tower, home to the Great Clock of Westminster and its world-famous bell, Big Ben. For over 160 years, the clock has defined London’s skyline and marked the passage of time with its steady tick and the resonant chime of its 13½ ton Big Ben bell.

Installed in 1859, the Great Clock was the very height of horological innovation, driving four immense dials, each 22½ feet in diameter, while keeping time to within one second of the hour.

Between 2017 to 2022, the most comprehensive programme of conservation commenced.

The Cumbria Clock Company and the Palace Team were entrusted with dismantling, removing and conserving the five ton clock mechanism. Piece by piece, the mechanism was lowered 175 feet down the weight shaft and transported, in total secrecy, to Cumbria.

Every part was cleaned using specialist methods such as aqua blasting and dry ice cleaning, revealing original finishes and exposing areas that required repair. Worn teeth, pivots, and bushes were repaired or remade with traditional techniques.

Throughout, Cumbria Clock Company compiled a photographic archive of over 3,000 images and produced full engineering drawings, ensuring this knowledge will never be lost.

Keith Scobie-Youngs, Director of Cumbria Clocks, is visiting Guernsey for a quiet weekend at the end of September, during which he has agreed to bring an audio-visual talk of how his company brought the Great Clock back to full life after 167 years of continuous.

Sponsored by Ian Lihou (Guernsey’s Horologist) and Piers du Pré

Tickets Pricing = Free - Donations on leaving
Foyer and Bar open from 7.00pm
Show starts at 8.00pm