Historic church clock returns to Montacute after major restoration

Photo credit: GRACE Productions

Historic St Catherine’s Church in Montacute is set to welcome home what experts believe is one of the oldest working timepieces in the country. The church’s much-loved clock has been undergoing specialist restoration since its removal in March.

Originally thought to have been constructed in the 1600s, new research led by Mark Lidster, Buildings Adviser for the Diocese of Bath and Wells and Clocks Adviser to the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches, confirmed the clock’s mechanism is significantly older than first believed and was probably originally constructed in the early 1400s.

Overhauling, and strengthening of the mechanism has been undertaken by Timsbury Clocks, specialists in restoring ancient turret clocks. The dial has been restored to its traditional colours of blue and gold and has been re-gilded. Restorer, Symon Boyd, has been re-installing the inner workings of the clock in the church ready for the dial to be fastened back on the tower on Tuesday 1 July.

Nic Laycock, Churchwarden of St Catherine’s and lead on the restoration project, says “It is a matter of pride that this Somerset treasure has been restored, and its story will be displayed using entirely Somerset based specialists.”

The village school, All Saints Church School, which has close links with St Catherine’s, are preparing a time capsule to be placed behind the clock face, commemorating the restoration for future generations to discover and enjoy. Pupils from the school will be at the church to watch as the dial is returned to the tower.

A rededication service, scheduled for Sunday 10 August, will not only mark the return of the clock to its rightful place in the church tower, but will also celebrate its extraordinary legacy. Michael Beasley, the Bishop of Bath and Wells will preside at the service. There will also be a village festival with hog roast, Morris dancing, bands and a choir.

Meanwhile, development of a special exhibition space inside St Catherine’s is well underway. The clock room located 15 meters up the church tower has been fitted with new lighting and cameras to showcase the inner workings of the historic clock. Inside the church, newly installed audio-visual displays will help tell the clock’s story, including fascinating details about its recent restoration. Among the highlights will be a set of large iron church door keys believed to date back to the Reformation, which were once used by villagers who wound the clock each day. 

Nic Laycock says, “The clock has served Montacute for centuries. It carries with it a rich human story, from its construction to the remarkable men who cared for it day after day. If it could talk it would recount the history of the church’s witness to the village from medieval times to the present day. We know many stories – but there may be much still to discover.

“We believe the clock is beginning an exciting new chapter. Its voice and that of St Catherine’s will continue to be heard, and their stories told, not just to mark the hours, but to connect generations past, present and future. Our clock is symbol of Jesus story being told for the village and its many visitors.”

Photo credit: GRACE Productions