The clock tower at the heart of the Parramatta North Heritage Core has been given a new lease on life, thanks to specialist conservation works funded by the State Government.
Originally installed in the main dormitory building of the Parramatta Female Factory in 1827, the turret-clock was later relocated to Male Ward 1 when the dormitory building was demolished between 1885 and 1886.
Said to be one of the oldest clocks in Australia, it required specialist restoration works to ensure it was appropriately conserved.
Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin said the clock has a rich and complex history.
“This is a timepiece that is believed to be one of the oldest public clocks in Australia and has an incredible history like the rest of the site,” he said.
“The clock was manufactured by Thwaites and Reed of London and gifted to Parramatta by King George, and we wanted to pay it the respect it is due to conserve this important part of our horological history.”
Mr Harwin said the restoration program will help activate the site, so that it can be enjoyed as a tourist attraction.
“The NSW Government’s commitment to the restoration efforts will stand the test of time to ensure that the clock runs for many decades to come,” he said.
Andrew Markerink, Horologist of Master Clockmakers was in charge of the restoration works and said it was necessary to bring the clock back to life.
“We have taken a careful approach to ensure restoration has not impacted the original workings of the clock,” he said.
“All efforts focused on ensuring the clock looks, feels and functions like it did almost 200 years ago.”
From July this year the responsibility for the Parramatta North Heritage Core moved to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
With restoration works almost complete and final testing currently underway, this unique clock will soon be chiming again on the hour between 7am and 7pm, seven days per week.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.