Brough Clock Tower

Brough Clock Tower sits in a prominent position on the High Street of Brough, and was built in 1911 to commemorate the Coronation of King George V. The construction of it was funded by public conscription which was common in the past for several reasons: A lack of government funding was one of the primary reasons that fundraising fell to the community and it meant that money could be raised without introducing a tax to the general public. It was also hoped that people would have a sense of pride and ownership towards a project that would benefit everyone, and they would be proud to leave a legacy behind in the form of a lasting monument.

The tower is made from sandstone blocks and is built on three distinct levels, with the upper part being an original piece of the Old Market Cross situated just up the road. It is believed that the tower is sited over St Mary's Holy Well, once a place of pilgrimage attracting many visitors to Brough. Rumours online say that the vicar (of presumably St Michael's Church) had a diploma from the Pope giving him the right to the gifts brought by pilgrims to the well. Always handy to have friends in high places.

The clock tower has a number of plaques on it; the original plaque reads: This clock tower was erected by public conscription as a memorial of the Coronation of King George V 1911. This plaque was presented to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, 1953.

Another reads: This clock tower was restored during 2023 by Brough Parish Council with the contributions, donations and volunteer effort of local people. Special gratitude is expressed in memory of Mr Doug Brown for his generous support, and in memory of Cllr Malcolm Smith, also one-time member of the infamous 'Tick Tock Gang'. Cllr Alan Brocklehurst 26 October 2023. Now this one piqued my interest a bit more... Tick Tock Gang? Surely not the popular social media platform? I can't find anything to the contrary but I will have to assume it refers to the sound a clock makes.

The final plaque reads: The Olympic flame passed through Brough 20th June 2012. Sadly, I can't find any images or videos online from the event, however, I bet someone has some footage somewhere!