Time is right as history repeats

GLENN Abbott has a deep affinity with Tasmania’s first public clock, so to play a hand in its most recent restoration filled him with pride.

The Government House clock was built in London in 1821.

However, it was initially installed at Hobart’s original St David’s Church in 1825 as the city’s first clock, before being moved to its present home in 1859.

The clock has just had its first service since 2002 after Mr Abbott along with clock restorer Russell Dobell-Mobbs removed it in January for repair.

Mr Dobell-Mobbs found the clock needed new bearings, oil and grease as well as pivots and wheels realigned, not to mention a clean.

The clock was reinstalled on Friday, much to Mr Abbott’s delight as his great great great great grandfather helped install it.

“It was a great privilege to do what my grandfather had done,” he said. “But in those days it was a lot harder than it was for us. To go up and have a chance to visit it was great.”

The clock has a rich history dating back to Hobart’s early years.

In 1816, Lieutenant Governor Thomas Davey requested the city’s first clock be fitted at the original St David’s Church on the corner of Murray and Macquarie streets. This was to regulate the hours and habits of the settlers and convicts.

It was one of five given by King George IV and was made by the same company that once maintained the clock below Big Ben in London — Thwaites and Reed.

A second clock was installed at St David’s in 1828 and by 1843 the original was removed and sold.

In 1853 it was advertised for auction before being bought by the State Government, which wanted it for Government House. The house was completed in 1857 and the clock installed in early 1859.

House staff wind the clock twice a week and Mr Dobell-Mobbs will now do monthly maintenance to keep it in good order.