Restoration of Truro's iconic clock tower complete
The scaffolding has been removed and the refurbished bells are in position and ready to ring out again over the city.
The restoration of the historic clock tower in Truro, which was in a poor condition, has been complete.
It means the bells will ring again over the city, with hopes the reinstallation of the bells could last over 100 years.
City Hall and the clock tower were badly damaged by fire in 1914, which left only the side of the tower that faces Boscawen Street remaining in its original granite form.
At the time, the three lost sides were reconstructed using reinforced concrete and were rendered to give the appearance, from street level, of granite.
The steelwork used within the tower to create this façade more than a century ago became badly corroded over time.
After consulting with Historic England, specialists Fox Construction Solutions started the work, jointly funded by Cornwall Council and Truro City Council, to dismantle and repair the tower in August 2022 following the completion of the Hall for Cornwall’s major refurbishment project.
Truro City Mayor, Councillor Carol Swain, said: “The Municipal Building and clock tower is an iconic feature of Truro’s rich heritage, as well as being the home of Truro City Council, so to see the tower brought back to its former glory to be enjoyed by future generations, is wonderful. It’s been a real team effort. I would particularly like to thank our Town Crier Lionel Knight and his wife Carole who provided additional funding to support the project.”