18/03/24

A famous Cardiff landmark - the Pierhead Clock - has been fully  restored  and is being reinstalled in its protective glass box in Lower St Mary Street later today (18 March).

The clock's casing will also feature new lighting which will see it lit up at night for everyone to enjoy.

The 19-century time piece was built in 1896 for the Bute Docks Building in Cardiff Bay, now known as the Pierhead Building, which was completed in 1897. The  bell within the clock was forged by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, the same company that forged the historic Liberty Bell in New York.

Designed by the renowned architect Williams Fame, the Pierhead Building was the headquarters of the Bute Dock Company, which played a crucial role in the development of Cardiff Docks,  for the export  of  coal from the South  Wales Valleys to destinations around the world.

The Pierhead building was a recognised landmark for sailors who knew they had reached home safely when they saw the tower.

More recently, the clock, also known as the Monkey Clock, was bought by an American collector, Alan Heldman, who held the time piece  in his workshop for 30 years until the council bought the clock back to Cardiff in 2005.

A spokesperson for Cardiff Council  said: "The Pierhead Clock is a symbol of Cardiff's heritage and rich historical past when the city was one of the main distributers of coal across the world  and serves as a reminder of its enduring legacy as a significant port and industrial hub in the United Kingdom.

"Over the years, the council has received several requests to have the clock restored and I am pleased this process is now complete, so the clock can be reinstalled in all its glory on St Mary Street for the public to enjoy."

The installation of the clock by Smith and Derby,  who also carried out the repairs,is set to be complete by Tuesday 19 March.