Historic Rochdale Town Hall clock repaired in time for Remembrance Sunday

The iconic clock at Rochdale Town Hall has undergone repairs so that it will be fully operational in time for Remembrance Sunday.

Renowned clockmakers Smith of Derby, with over a century of experience in the industry, were tasked with carrying out the essential work on the clock.

The clock is housed within the Grade I listed Rochdale Town Hall, a landmark known for its architectural grandeur and historical significance. Originally opened in 1871, the town hall has long been a point of pride for the local community.

Earlier this year, it reopened following an extensive multi-million-pound restoration, funded by the council in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This recent refurbishment has aimed to preserve the hall’s historical character while making it accessible and relevant for future generations.

However, the history of Rochdale Town Hall’s clock tower is marked by dramatic events. The original clock tower was destroyed in a devastating fire on 10 April 1883, causing significant damage and prompting a complete redesign.

 

 

Alfred Waterhouse, a renowned architect celebrated for designing Manchester Town Hall and the Natural History Museum in London, was commissioned to create a new tower. His design was completed in 1887, resulting in a structure standing at 190 feet (57 metres) – notably shorter than the original 240-foot (73-metre) tower that was lost.

As locals may recall, the bells from Rochdale Town Hall’s clock once played a prestigious role by standing in for Big Ben during maintenance in 2018. This remarkable connection highlights the hall's place in British heritage, lending a unique touch to Rochdale’s own architectural legacy.
 

Read more: Town Hall bells to replace recorded Big Ben bellsPublished: 10 December 2018

 

Details of the Remembrance Sunday parades and services being held across the borough are available in the Rochdale Online Events listings: www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/