“Coronation Clock Tower! Look up! It’s a landmark that makes you stand in awe”.
The Coronation Clock Tower is a stunning structure built on land donated by Surbiton UDC to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII. They gifted the land to commemorate his accession to the throne in 1902. It is definitely a special spot, a testament to history, a symbol of royalty in Surbiton. The clock tower is more than just an ornamental timepiece, it is a symbol of the history of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.
The Coronation Clock Tower was designed by architect John Johnson. The clock tower was built over a period of 3 years between 1905 and 1908. It has a beautiful architectural style designed to stand the test of time and remind the community of the magnificent King Edward VII. It is a testament to the beauty and ingenuity of that time.
A plaque on the tower has a medallion of King Edward VII. It has the initials “E A” on the weather vane which represent King Edward and Queen Alexandra.
The tower suffered from neglect in the 1960’s and almost suffered demolition. Fortunately, it was brought back to life in 2007 with funding from the Royal Borough, Waitrose, English Heritage and the Heritage of London Trust. The restoration has ensured its preservation as a vital landmark and functioning timekeeper. The repair work was completed by Cliveden Conservation Workshop Ltd. The four clock faces were equipped with an electric mechanism in 1970.
The tower was unveiled by none other than the Earl of Wessex, on the 3rd of July 2008. So, you can imagine how special it is. This tower is one of Surbiton’s most cherished landmarks – a beautiful embodiment of history, art and engineering.
Enjoy the view before we move on to our next stop.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to