Ancient clock unveiled after major restoration
One of the oldest clocks in the country has been returned to a church in Somerset
Last updated 2nd Jul 2025
One of the oldest clocks in the country has been returned to a church in Somerset.
The historic St Catherine’s Church in Montacute has finally welcomed home what experts believe is one of the oldest working timepieces in the country, after it was removed back in March for specialist renovations.
Originally thought to have been constructed in the 1600s, new research led by Mark Lidster, Buildings Adviser for the Diocese of Bath and Wells and Clocks Adviser to the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches, confirmed the clock’s mechanism is significantly older than first believed and was probably originally constructed in the early 1400s.
The dial has been restored to its traditional colours of blue and gold and has been re-gilded.
Restorer, Symon Boyd, has been re-installing the inner workings of the clock in the church ready for the dial to be fastened back on the tower.
Nic Laycock, Churchwarden of St Catherine’s and lead on the restoration project, says “It is a matter of pride that this Somerset treasure has been restored, and its story will be displayed using entirely Somerset based specialists.”
The village school, All Saints Church School, which has close links with St Catherine’s, are preparing a time capsule to be placed behind the clock face, commemorating the restoration for future generations to discover and enjoy.
A rededication service, scheduled for Sunday 10 August, will celebrate its extraordinary legacy.
Meanwhile, development of a special exhibition space inside St Catherine’s is well underway.
The Diocese say the clock room has been fitted with new lighting and cameras to showcase the inner workings of the historic clock, whilst inside the church, newly installed audio-visual displays will help tell the clock’s fascinating story.
Nic Laycock said: “The clock has served Montacute for centuries.
"It carries with it a rich human story, from its construction to the remarkable men who cared for it day after day.
"If it could talk it would recount the history of the church’s witness to the village from medieval times to the present day.
"We know many stories – but there may be much still to discover.”