The medieval Clock Tower in St Albans reopens its doors this weekend following the completion of conservation work. The wooden louvre slats covering some of the windows have been replaced and the brickwork has been repointed during the ten-week restoration project.
Volunteers from St Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural and Archaeological Society and from St Albans Civic Society will open the tower to the public this weekend, from Fri 22 April to Mon 25 April, and then during the rest of the summer on Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30am to 4.45pm. An admission fee of £1 for adults applies. Unaccompanied children may be admitted at the clock watcher's discretion.
Built between 1403 and 1412, the Clock Tower is the only medieval example in the country. It served as a look out, sounding the alarm in case of fire or fray, and rang out for the first Battle of St Albans during the Wars of the Roses in 1455. It was also used as a curfew to the townspeople until 1863. Visitors can climb the tower's steep, narrow and winding 93 steps and enjoy the view from the top.
English Heritage, custodians of the Grade 1 listed building have permission for the conservation work, which was carried out by a local architect and expert builders.
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