St. Albans Clocktower of Clock House was built between 1403 abd 1412 to the design of Thomas Wolvey, one time royal mason, as a symbol of the townspeople’s desire for independence from the Abbot’s rule. It is 23.5m (77ft) high and built of flint and originally clunch (a local form of hard chalk). The original large bell within the tower (which wighs a ton and sounds a natural F note) was cast at Aldgate, London, by William and Robert Burford between 1371 and 1418. It is inscribe (in Latin) “My name is Gabriel sent from Heaven”.
Timepieces were rare when the tower was built and a clock was useful in regulating the life of the town. the bell also ran the curfew at 4 am and between 8 and 9 pm and was used to sound the alarm during any fire or incident within the town In 1700 the corporation resolved to pull down the Clocktower (which fortunately never happened) and build a new market house.*
*from a signboard next to the Clocktower
I remember the clock tower very well, even though the spouse and I lived in St Albans in the early 1970s. However I don’t think anyone ever mentioned that it was a symbol of the townspeople’s desire for independence from the Abbot’s rule.
Nor did we know that the bell ran the curfew at 4 am and between 8 and 9 pm. What was the curfew about?
I think it was about when you had to retreat to your home for the night and the am bell when the curfew was lifted. I have not seen a proper explanation of the Curfew.
Sounds as if there might have been some antipathy, Cherie
It does.
Never would I commit nuisance.
Well, almost never.
Every now and then ‘is time’ for committing nuisance
Did you climb the tower?
I did it once, the views were OK.
Have you heard of Severndroog Castle (actually a folly) in SE London?
That’s better, it’s only £4, you get to see more from there.
Come and visit it next time, it’s a hidden gem in London.
We didn’t get the chance to climb the tower. It wasn’t open during our visit.
I know right?!
Some EH and NT properties also choose to close during winter months too.
Oh I wish they remain open all year around.
the Abbt” ruling sound quite for put curfew
i enjoyed the details and photos lot dear Cherie
I enjoyed sharing them