Memorial Clock, Willenhall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Memorial Clock |
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| General information | |
| Address | Market Place |
| Town or city | Willenhall |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 52°35′1.23″N 2°3′17.18″W / 52.5836750°N 2.0547722°W |
| Inaugurated | 10 May 1892 |
| Designations | Grade II listed |
The Memorial Clock is a special clock tower located in the market place of Willenhall, a town in the West Midlands, England. It was built in 1892 to remember a kind local doctor named Joseph Tonks. This clock tower is more than just a way to tell time; it's a tribute to someone who cared deeply for his community.
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Remembering Dr. Joseph Tonks
Joseph Tonks was born in Willenhall in 1855. He studied medicine and became a doctor in 1879. From 1881, he had his own medical practice right there in Willenhall. Dr. Tonks was very dedicated to helping the poor people of the town. He was so well-known for his kindness that people called him "the poor man's doctor."
An Unexpected Accident
In August 1888, something unusual happened to Dr. Tonks. He was at the annual Willenhall Horticultural Society show, and there was a hot air balloon ride. The pilot lost control of the balloon, and it crashed into some nearby chimneys. Dr. Tonks was injured in this accident. He never fully recovered from his injuries, and his health slowly got worse. He sadly passed away on April 2, 1891, leaving behind his wife, Clara, and their two young children.
Building a Memorial
After Dr. Tonks died, a special committee was formed in Willenhall. They wanted to create something lasting to remember him. They decided to build a drinking fountain in his honor. Many people and local groups, called "friendly societies," gave money to help build it.
The final design for the memorial was created by Messrs Boddis, who were sculptors and stonemasons from Birmingham. The memorial was made using special stones from Hollington and Bath. The clock itself was made by a famous company called Smith of Derby.
The unveiling ceremony for the Memorial Clock took place on May 10, 1892. Many local organizations attended, and a surgeon named Lawson Tait officially revealed the new memorial to the public.
About the Clock Tower
The Memorial Clock is a very important building, so it is a Grade II listed structure. This means it's recognized for its special historical or architectural importance. The clock tower is built in a style called Jacobean, which was popular in England a long time ago.
Design and Features
The clock tower has three main sections, separated by decorative ledges called cornices. On the north and south sides, you can find drinking fountains with semicircular bowls. On the east side, there's even a drinking trough, which was originally for cattle and dogs!
On the east side of the tower, there is an inscription that explains why the clock was built. It says that the clock was "Erected by the Friendly Societies of Willenhall and his fellow townsmen May 10th 1892, in memory of Joseph Tonks... whose generous and unsparing devotion to the cause of the alleviation of human suffering has been deemed worthy of this public record." This inscription shows how much Dr. Tonks was respected for his dedication to helping people.
Images for kids
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Joseph Tonks (1855-1891)
