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The East Courtyard Clock Tower is undergoing expert restoration to conserve its historic clock faces, gilded numerals, and Golden Ball.
Standing proudly above the East Courtyard is the 18th century Clock Tower, it's four striking clock faces and shining Golden Ball have kept watch over the Palace for 300 years.
Over the years, the painted clock faces have suffered from sun bleaching and peeling paint, with fading numerals particularly evident on the east and south sides. To restore their striking appearance, all existing paint and gilding has been removed.
The project began with a 10-day scaffolding build, enabling specialists to reach each of the four clock faces and the gilded Golden Ball crowning the tower. Once complete, work began to carefully restore the timepiece, its decorative features, and the ball itself.
A Rare Piece of Craftsmanship
The clock is the finest surviving example of the work of celebrated horologist Langley Bradley, who also created the great clock at St Paul’s Cathedral. Installed at Blenheim in 1710, just a year after his St Paul’s masterpiece, the clock includes several distinctive details unique to Bradley’s workshop, making it an irreplaceable part of the Palace’s history.
Each face will now be repaired and repainted in a traditional Capri Blue, reflecting the original 18th century specification. The numerals, hands, and borders will then be regilded using 23.5 carat double gold leaf, ensuring the clock once again gleams brightly against the Palace stonework.
The Golden Ball
Alongside the clock faces, the decorative Golden Ball is also receiving vital attention. The old gilding and base coats have been fully removed, before the copper sphere is carefully repaired, primed, and regilded with 23.5 carat double-weight gold leaf sheets. Once completed, the ball will gleam as brightly as it did in the 18th century, a crowning feature of the East Courtyard.
A Collaborative Effort
The Clock Tower is not only a striking landmark but also a vital part of the Palace's story. This restoration ensures it will continue to keep time and inspire visitors for generations to come. This ambitious project is being led by Chris Monaghan, Clerk of Works for the Built Heritage team, and Carmen Alvarez, Collections and Conservation Manager. They are supported by Apex Scaffolding, Oxford Iron Company, and The Cumbria Clock Company—bringing together a wealth of expertise to safeguard one of Blenheim’s most iconic features.
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