Holy Cross Church’s historic clock may receive golden restoration
Plans have been submitted for a traditional makeover with gold leaf for 350-year-old clock
The 350-year-old clock on Holy Cross Church in Burley could soon shine with a golden makeover if plans submitted to Rutland County Council receive approval.
Under the proposal, the clock, originally crafted by renowned British clockmaker Joseph Knibb in 1678, will be restored with traditional materials including a copper sheet dial hand-gilded with 23.75 carat “extra thick” gold leaf.
The clock hands will also undergo gilding as part of the restoration effort by the Churches Conservation Trust, a national charity committed to protecting and restoring historic churches.
The clock remained largely unchanged until a restoration in 1976, which involved replacing traditional materials like copper sheeting with modern alternatives such as glass reinforced plastic.
The current application aims to bring back traditional aesthetics to the church, named Holy Cross, which was constructed in the 12th Century, with its tower dating from the 14th Century.