The return of Minster Gates clock

The Webmaster
Sep 4
2 min read

Updated: Sep 11

Since the Minster Gates clock was taken down on Wednesday 26^th February the programme of major restoration has been completed and the clock re-fixed.

The restoration has been led by John Cossins of York Clock Group. John dismantled the clock in his workshop, he arranged for restoration of the dials and obtained new mechanical and electrical components as required. Once the constituent parts of the restoration were complete John re-assembled the clock and decorated the drum, he re-wired the clock and installed of a new night time lighting system and automatic clock controller.

John Cossins organised specialist firm Robert Loomes of Stamford Lincolnshire to clean and fully re-paint the dials to the original design.

Sam Simpson metalworker from Fangfoss agreed to restore the metalwork of the clock drum. Sam’s task was not an easy one, the bottom of the drum was very badly corroded and the process required replacement of approximately 80% of the metalwork. On completion of the metalwork Sam organised for the drum to be electroplated prior to painting, the electroplating will provide significantly improved corrosion protection to the metalwork.

The York Minster Works Department have provided scaffolding for the site works, they took down and re-erected the clock drum, they have also rewired the power supplies to the clock as well as cleaning down and repainting the clock bracket and gilding the finial.

The stainless steel plaques have been restored by sign Writer Rob Oldfield.

The clock was re-fixed on the sunny morning of Tuesday 2^nd September and at 10.00am the clock controller was activated and the clock started working immediately. The new lighting installation was tested.