Clock Tower, Medieval town belfry in St Albans, England
The Clock Tower is a medieval belfry in St Albans, England, rising about 64 feet with five stories that narrow at each level, marked by external stone strings. The uppermost section houses the bell chamber and defines the town's skyline with its distinctive form.
The tower was built between 1403 and 1412, representing local merchants' resistance to St Albans Abbey's control over town timekeeping. This statement of independence through public construction became a turning point in establishing citizen power.
The tower contains two important bells that shaped daily town life: Gabriel features a religious inscription, while the Market bell signaled when trading hours began and ended.
About 93 narrow steps lead to the tower's top, with public access limited to warmer months and weekends only. Sturdy footwear and a steady pace help with the steep climb.
The clock mechanism installed during 1866 renovations was designed by the same engineer who created Big Ben's famous timepiece. This technical achievement shows how even a modest town tower could benefit from the finest minds of its era.
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