Camperdown Clock Tower
The 31.4 metre high Gothic Revival style clock tower stands in the main street with its Avenue of Honour, set off to both sides with historic public buildings such as the 1863 Post Office.
The original construction of the tower was funded by the pioneering Camperdown family, the Manifolds, in memory of Thomas Peter Manifold who died in a hunting accident in 1895 at the age of 32.
Make sure you are nearby on the hour to hear the great bells ring out.
The following article appeared in the newspaper The Argus on Monday 22nd Mar 1897.
THE CAMPERDOWN CLOCK TOWER.
The clock tower erected with the proceeds of a bequest of 1000 pounds by the late Mr. T. P. Manifold has been completed and the clock placed in position. The tower, which is the only structure of the kind in Australia, occupies a commanding position at the intersection of Manifold and Pike streets. It is built of brick, on a massive Bluestone base, the roof being of slate, and the ornamentation of cement. It is 100ft. in height. The clock, which was constructed for the purpose by Messrs. T. Gaunt and Co. of Melbourne, has four dials, each 6ft. in diameter, the figures being 13in. in length. The three balls were cast specially for Messrs. Gaunt and Co. by Mears and Stainbank, of London, and weigh respectively 8cwt, 3.5cmt and 2cwt. They are of the best bell metal, with an admixture of silver, giving a richness to their tone not otherwise obtainable. The total cost of the tower was 950 pounds, and of the clock 450 pounds. This exceeded the amount of the bequest by some 400 pounds, which was generously given by the Messrs. Manifold. The ceremony of starting the clock was performed by Mrs. W. T. Manifold, in the presence of the members of the family and a few friends. The ribbon which secured the pendulum was severed by Mrs. Manifold with a pair of silver scissors presented to her by Messrs. T. Gaunt and Co. fur the occasion.
Location
180 Manifold Street, Camperdown 3260 Map
