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The Clock Tower - A Brief History

© Elizabeth Batt

Believe it or not, we Lestrian's have a photographer to thank for our communal hub. John Burton campaigned to have old buildings torn down and actually laid the foundation stone of the Clock Tower itself. I imagine that Mr Burton never for one moment dreamed that the clock would become some an essential part of Leicestershire life.

The Clock replaced the old Assembly rooms, theatre, hackney stand and a hay and straw market. A competition was held was for an architectural design for the Clock which was won by local architect Joseph Goddard. Goddard completed the impressive Clock in 1868, and it's structure even boasts an intricate sewer system beneath it.

The Clock itself bears four stone statues, all dedicated to men who played a significant role in Leicestershire's history. Although only one statue is actually credited as being a true likeness, they nevertheless honour those they were intended to.

Simon De Montfort
Although of French descent, De Montfort became the Earl of Leicester in 1239. Credited with creating Britain's first parliament, he was rather brutally killed at the Battle of Evesham.

Gabriel Newton
Newton was a woolcomber, publican and also the Mayor of Leicester. He possessed large country estates and financed many county schools.

Sir Thomas White
White wasn't born in Leicester but his myriad of grants to Midlands businessmen enabled many to establish themselves. Apparently his bequests are also still in effect.

William Wyggeston
Another Leicester Mayor, Wyggeston was a wool merchant whose charitable endowments created the Wyggeston schools.

Below each of the statues are dates. These dates reflect not their birth but the date of their financial contributions to the town. The actual sculptor of each of the statues was Samuel Barfield, who completed them all in just seven months.

There have been critics of the Clock Tower, who have claimed it an eyesore. I have to disagree with their perceptions. There is more than just appearances to this wonderful structure and I for one, hope and believe that it stays right where it is - in the heart of Leicester and those of it's people.

Max Wade Matthews, offers some wonderful images of the Clock Tower and portrays the history of it in far more depth than I could ever do. So for more information, please visit the Leicester Research web site and Max.

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