We need to take action to safeguard the clock for future generations.
Wentworth Woodhouse is one of the grandest stately homes in the country and is at the beginning of an ambitious regeneration project. Run by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (registered charity number: 1155374), we aim to use the restoration of the site as a catalyst for positive change in South Yorkshire.
The North Pavilion Clock Tower
Although we have not yet been able to establish either the maker of the North Pavilion Clock or when it was made and installed, we believe that it was installed during or shortly after the East Front of the Mansion was built – dating the clock to the mid-18th Century. The bells of the clock are in need of some restorative works – these predate the clock with three of them bearing the date 1709 – these bells could have been in use within the earlier mansion, part demolished to make way for the Flitcroft East Front, which was designed by Henry Flitcoft and John Carr..
What needs to be conserved?
We need to take action to safeguard the clock for future generations.
On the North Pavilion, two clock faces look out across the landscape and in the lantern on top of the roof structure, a set of bells used to chime the hours. Neither the clocks or their bells have worked in over 60 years, since the students of Lady Mabel College were in residence. When the roof was repaired, local horologist Andrew Smith cleaned the clock mechanism and managed to get one of the clock faces working temporarily however sadly, it is no longer working.
Although the house roof structures are now sound, the condition of the room below, in which the clock sits, is in a very poor condition. Work on the clock restoration has had to stop as the floor was unsafe to work on and a beam underneath the clock has been identified as one of the key components to be repaired to enable the clock to chime once more.
We are now seeking funds to enable the restoration of the clocks and bell mechanisms in addition to making the clock room safe for access to undertake the work. The work involves further cleaning, repairs to the dial motion works, renewing weight lines for the pendulum, and to re-connect the chiming hammers. This all has to be undertaken by specialist historical specialists using the correct materials in keeping with the house’s history.
The clock and its bells are important features on the main façade of Wentworth Woodhouse and their restoration will strike a note that the house is being restored and returned to its former glory.
Join us now and make a difference, Wentworth Woodhouse belongs to you too…
Each generation has done their bit to look after this majestic house, and now it’s our turn.
It’s going to take £15,000 to carry out the work to restore the North Tower Clock and safeguard this wonderful piece of time.
You can play a role in passing on the heritage that has shaped our lives today to share with people in the future. Support our campaign by donating today
How to get involved !
1. Pledge money in return for a variety of incentives.
2. Spread the word. We need to reach as many people as possible and tell them about this fantastic regeneration project, so share this page far and wide on your social media pages.
3. Simply donate to the cause. If you’re feeling generous and are behind the cause, you can simply donate an amount of your choice to support the campaign. Any amount will be very much appreciated and well spent.
4. Organise a fundraiser of your own! Got an idea? We'd love to hear it. Get in touch at '[email protected]' and we can help you organise an event.
We are raising funds to restore the North Pavilion clock and bells. If we have donations left after the works are complete, or we are unable to pay for the works to be completed, we will spend your donations on other projects in support of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (registered charity number: 1155374).
The regeneration of Wentworth Woodhouse is arguably the greatest heritage project of our generation. Already , this exciting project is providing visitors with opportunities to engage with the historic features, buildings and gardens in innovative, diverse and creative ways, providing access for all, not just the few.
The project is a gamechanger for Rotherham and South Yorkshire, and has brought economic, social and environmental advantages, and real tangible benefits to people’s lives. We are already providing opportunities for new jobs, training, upskilling, volunteering, academic study and work experience but with your help we can do so much more.
Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (registered charity number: 1155374) relies on fundraising and its own income generation to undertake this huge project and open more spaces to visitors. Every penny really does count and your support will help us achieve our ambitious plans to change people’s lives as we restore this great house and ensure its survival.