Wendover Clock Tower
The Wendover Clock Tower was built in 1842, a time when many towns in England were undergoing a phase of improvement and beautification, often erecting public buildings or monuments as symbols of progress.
The construction of the tower was funded by public donations and local contributions, illustrating the importance of the clock tower to the people of Wendover.
Architecturally, the tower was designed in a Gothic Revival style, popular in the 19th century, especially for public structures. Its ornate design and prominent spire made it stand out in the town center.
It was originally part of Wendover’s Market Place, a bustling area where the market was held, and it likely served as a meeting point for traders, farmers, and townspeople.
The tower was the location for the town’s fire engine in the 19th century. The fire engine of that time was a manually operated pump, typically horse-drawn or pulled by townspeople. These fire engines required easy access to the town square or central location, making the Wendover Clock Tower an ideal place for storage.
In order to make room for the fire engine, the archway or entrance to the clock tower had to be widened. This involved scraping out or removing parts of the wall to create a larger opening, allowing the fire engine to fit through. This can be clearly seen today.