Victoria Clock Tower, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted by: 
arby101ca
S 43° 31.484 E 172° 37.845
59G E 631784 N 5179620
The town clock for Christchurch, New Zealand is the Victoria Clock Tower or the Diamond Jubilee Clock Tower located on the triangular intersection of Victoria and Montreal streets. This is listed in the New Zealand Historic Places Trust Ref 3670.
Waymark Code: WMFZ76
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 12/21/2012
Views: 3
The clock was designed in 1858 by Benjamin Mountfort and built in Coventry England. The clock and steel tower components arrived in Christchurch in 1860. Originally the clock was installed in a stone tower in the Provincial Council Building on Armagh St. The clock was in poor condition, suffering damage in the sea voyage so it was removed and stored for thirty years. The clock was returned to England for repairs and the addition of chimes. The clock was reinstalled in 1897 as a Diamond Jubilee commemorative in a new stone tower built at intersection of Manchester Street, Lichfield Streets and High Streets. In 1930 it was removed as a traffic hazard. The tower was rebuilt and renovated at its present location, Montreal and Victoria street and a new clock installed.
The clock stopped at 12:51 during the earthquake on 22 February 2011. The tower suffered significant damage. Currently is is shored up awaiting repairs and renovation. Note in the picture the wooden support posts and the bands around the mid section.
NZ$ 700,000 has been authorized for repairs.
For information see: (
visit link)
The clock has circular faces on four sides and Roman numerals marking the hours.