Jubilee Clock Tower, Weymouth facts for kids
The Jubilee Clock Tower is a famous landmark in Weymouth, Dorset, England. It's a tall, stand-alone clock tower located right on the seafront, called the Esplanade. This special tower was built in 1888 to celebrate Queen Victoria's 50 years as queen, known as her Golden Jubilee. It's made from strong iron and sits on a base of Portland stone. In 1974, it became a "Grade II Listed" building, which means it's an important historical structure.
History of the Jubilee Clock Tower
The Jubilee Clock Tower in Weymouth was built to honor Queen Victoria. She had been queen for 50 years by 1887, which was a very special event called her Golden Jubilee. People wanted to create something lasting to remember this milestone.
How the Clock Tower Was Funded
The money for the tower came from "public subscription." This means that people in the community donated money to help pay for it. About £100 was collected during the Jubilee celebrations on June 21, 1887. A special committee then suggested building a clock tower to the local council, and the idea was approved.
However, the money raised wasn't quite enough to buy the clock itself. So, a kind person named Sir Henry Edwards donated the clock. The local gas company also agreed to keep the clock lit up for free forever. The stone base for the tower was provided by the Weymouth Corporation, which was like the local government at the time.
Unveiling and Location Changes
The Jubilee Clock Tower was officially revealed on October 31, 1888. It was placed on Weymouth's esplanade, a wide walkway along the beach. At first, it stood slightly forward, almost on the sand of Weymouth Beach.
Later, in the 1920s, the esplanade was made wider. This was done to protect the beach from stones moving in from the east and to give people more space to walk. The clock tower itself was not moved, but the new walkway was built around it. Around the same time, the clock tower was painted in bright, eye-catching colors.
