Forum Topic

Acton clock tower

Dear Sirs,I am a member of a voluntary group in Lucknow, India which is trying to restore a historic clock tower called Hussainabad Clock Tower, designed by a British architect Richard Roskell Bayne of Calcutta and built between 1882-87.It has a large mechanical clock, the biggest in India, built by JW Benson of Ludgate Hill, London. Benson was amongst the leading british clock makers of the time.During the course of our research, we have found that that Benson also installed a mechanical clock at Acton, and would like to know more details about it. I would be grateful if you would kindly refer us to the right persons/bodies whom we should contact for further details  about the clock. It will go a long way in our conservation efforts. My email id is akhileshagarwal2000@yahoo.comThanking you,Akhilesh Agarwal

Akhilesh Agarwal ● 6041d17 Comments

How interesting. The only place that I can think of in Acton that has a clock tower is the Central Middlesex Hospital (see photo here http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/16176).Are you sure that Mr Bayne's clock was installed in Acton, London? There are many other Actons in England.

John Theodore Clark ● 6041d

St Mary's Church in Acton has a clock, and the church was built at around the right time (1860s). Here is a photo: http://www.actonhistory.co.uk/acton/page3.htmlFor information on that clock, you should contact the church, here: http://freespace.virgin.net/stmary.acton/

John Theodore Clark ● 6041d

Akhilesh, John, there's a clock on Acton Town Hall 

Fred Bray ● 6041d

How fascinating - this surely must be the one he means.I wonder who would know.We met an interesting Ealing historic architect ont he first meeting of the Town Hall team - but I can't recall his name - I wonder if other THT people can. I bet he would know more.

Sara Nathan ● 6041d

Yes, but that is a deco clock dating from the 1930s. The baby we are looking for will be around twice that age.

John Theodore Clark ● 6041d

The Town Hall extension was built between 1935 and 1939. JW Benson was active from 1870 to 1930. So very unlikely, unless they installed an old clock in a new building.

John Theodore Clark ● 6041d

The Central Middlesex Hospital was built around 1903. So fits within our timespan.But the clock tower was recently demolished (barbarians - it was beautiful), although the clock has been saved.http://www.nwlh.nhs.uk/News-media/news_item.cfm?id=106

John Theodore Clark ● 6041d

" unless they installed an old clock in a new building.  "Take a look at our dear High Street, John. Anything's possible,

Fred Bray ● 6041d

Sounds like a job for the acton history society!

Sara Nathan ● 6041d

It would indeed be a shame to replace the original timepiece with a modern clock that would not last:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/-Divorce-between-Hussainabad-Tower-and-its-clock-stalled-/articleshow/5429102.cms

John Theodore Clark ● 6041d

I am grateful for the overwhelming response to my enquiry about the Benson's clock at Acton, especially to Mr John Theodore Clark and Sara Nathan. Mr Bayne was the architect who designed the tower at Lucknow, India, and the clock was built by James W Benson, who I understand also installed a similar clock at Acton[ I'm not sure which Acton, if there are more than one !]. It must have been between 1870 and 1930, any clock dating thereafter, such as the one at the town hall is unlikely to be the one I'm looking for.  Could be the one at the Hospital which was demolished, would Mr Clark know what happened to it, where is it kept and from whom I can get details about it ? Mr Clark's knowledge is extraordinary, he is aware of the TIMES OF INDIA news report about the interest our voluntary group is taking in restoring the Hussainabad clock tower. I don't know if it helps but I have a photo of the Acton clock, sent by  a British clock expert, Mr Chris McKay. It is no longer powered by weights and has been electrified. How do I get in touch with the Acton History Society ? Any leads would be welcome.

Akhilesh Agarwal ● 6041d

Here is the History Group. I think that they are far more knowledgeable than I. They would probably also be interested to find out what happened to the clock from the Hospital.http://www.actonhistory.co.uk/acton/page2.html

John Theodore Clark ● 6041d

I had a brief look at the other Actons in England. Most of them are tiny villages, and none has a clock tower or notable clock of any sort.

John Theodore Clark ● 6041d

you might find this link handyhttp://www.pierheadpublications.co.uk/horological publications.htmabout halfway down you'll find a book on JW Benson 'turret clocks' available to buy online.The text mentions '
The turret clocks made by the company were exported all around the world... a list of known installation locations is included.
 This book focuses on the turret clock activities of the company, and brings together rare catalogue and advertising material... £12 + £1.20 post in UK, overseas postage extra at cost"You might be able to get more information if you contact them, or perhaps buy the book. I hope it helps.

Jeremy Thorpe-Woods ● 6039d

Isn't there a clock tower in Hanwell?

Dee Cook ● 6039d

I have it on good authority (one of the churchwardens) that:the clock in St Mary's tower was made by Thwaites & Reed of London in 1877. It is maintained by a firm called Gillett & Johnston.JW Benson was well known in its day but had disappeared in 1930.  St Mary's in Luton has a JW Benson clock and this was restored by Gillett & Johnston so they may be able to help. Acton Town Hall opened in 1939 so would appear to be a bit late.I'll send the information I have directly to the OP, but just thought others might be interested...

Lorna Dodd ● 6039d

There was a clock in the front of the chapel within the cemetery off Park Royal Road, North Acton, which I was once told was a very high quality timepiece built into the room behind. It disappeared several years ago, thought to have been stolen, leaving a large round hole ideal for access by birds. The room  has recently been cleaned and a replacement clock fitted.

Chris Bell ● 6038d