Victoria Street Clock Tower

Few inner city landmarks can have as chequered a history as the Victoria Street Clock Tower. Brought to Christchurch in 1860, it was first moved to the old Government Buildings on Durham Street before being re-erected from 1897-99 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of the Coronation of Queen Victoria. It was moved again, in 1930-1933, from the High Street to its present location. Despite restoration work in 1978, the structure has sustained heavy weathering, although this has not obscured the ornate wrought iron railing and scrollwork above the clock-face.

Below are some facts about the clock tower:

• Designed by Mountfort, the clock and iron tower were commissioned by the Provincial Council.

• It was first erected in 1863 temporarily on the north stone tower of the Provincial Council Chambers.

• As they were not erected as planned, the iron tower stood for nearly three years in the courtyard of the Provincial Buildings.

• The clock itself was placed in the stone tower in Armagh Street and was the first 'town clock'. 

• The chimes of the clock, it is said, could be heard on a normal day up to two miles away. 

• It was taken over by the Government on the abolition of the provinces in 1876 and was presented to the City Council.

• In 1879, it was stored in the City Council yard in Worcester Street. 

• Eventually, it was erected at High/Manchester Streets in 1897 to mark the 60th anniversary or the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria's accession.

• Thus, it got the name of Jubilee Clock.

• The clock was again shifted in 1930 as it was considered to be an obstruction to traffic.

• Despite the attempts of the Hamilton Borough Council to buy it, it was successfully moved to its present site in Victoria Street. 

• Some restoration was carried out in 1978 by a group of local companies as a community project and was thoroughly renovated.