Abberley Clock Tower

Abberley Clock Tower is a stone structure that rises about 161 feet above Merritts Hill, with four clock faces visible from different sides. The tower was designed to stand prominently and can be seen from various angles around the area.

Construction started in 1883 and finished in 1884, during the Victorian era when such towers were symbols of community pride and technical advancement. The project reflected the architectural ambitions of its time.

The tower was originally built with a bell carillon that played many different tunes across the landscape, making it a source of sound and rhythm for the local area. Though some bells were removed over time, the musical tradition remains part of what makes this structure special.

The tower sits on private school grounds, so visitors should view it from the surrounding area outside the gates. You can get good views from multiple spots in the neighborhood without needing access to the property itself.

The clock mechanism was made in 1884 by a company that still operates today and continues to maintain and repair it. This unbroken connection with the original maker over more than a century is remarkably rare.

Location: Abberley

Inception: October 1884

Architects: James Piers St Aubyn

Part of: Abberley Hall School

GPS coordinates: 52.29745,-2.37572

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:44