Listing Text

BARNSTAPLE

SS5532 THE SQUARE
684-1/4/236 (South side)
31/08/88 Clocktower

GV II

Clocktower, erected in memory of Albert, Prince Consort. 1862,
by RD Gould. Limestone ashlar with dressings of Devon marble,
sandstone, other local stones and patterned tiles.
Tower has an octagonal shaft on a broader octagonal base, the
latter with a chamfered top and buttresses flanking each of
the 4 main faces. Square, corbelled clock chamber with
angle-shafts; clock-dial in each face. Hipped leaded roof with
bracketed corbel-table. At the summit a small belfry with
leaded spire and weather-vane. Each of its 4 faces contains a
pair of openings with pointed arches, separated by a column
with foliated capital; above each pair is a gablet resting
against the base of the spire. Bell remains inside.
The base of the tower has a stair doorway with shaped head on
the S side. On the N side is a water-trough projecting from
the base of a shallow recess with pointed arch of grey and
white marble; arch springs from short columns with pink marble
shafts and foliated white marble capitals. At the back of the
recess is a panel of coloured tiles, having above it a coat of
arms in white marble. Drinking fountain has been removed.
On each of the E and W sides is a pointed arch of moulded red
sandstone with a relieving arch of different coloured local
stones. Within the arches are commemorative marble plaques to
Prince Albert.
HISTORICAL NOTE: the clocktower was built at the instigation
of the then mayor, John Norrington, and paid for by public
subscription, some of the money being raised specifically for
the provision of a drinking fountain. The original design was
for a tower without a clock.
(North Devon Journal: 27.3.1862: 5).

Listing NGR: SS5590632951