Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Albert Clock
Cathedral Quarter
— 1869 —
The Albert Memorial Clock was built as a memorial to Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, who died in 1861. The construction cost of £2,500 was raised by public subscription. Work on the structure commenced in 1865 and was completed in 1869.
The clock was the result of a competition, which was won by the local architect, W.J. Barre. He also designed the Ulster Hall on Bedford Street. Stylistically, it is described as an eclectic mix of Early French and Italian Gothic. A full length statue by SF Lynn of Prince Albert in the robes of a Knight of the Garter stands on the western side of the tower facing High Street, while a base of flying buttresses topped off with crowned lions holding shields and floral decoration surround the tower. The clock is of a similar construction to 'Big Ben' in London and was made by Francis Moore of High Street. A two tonne bell is housed inside.
To halt the worsening lean and repair damage caused by the elements and heavy passing traffic, a multi-million pound restoration project was completed in 2002. During the project the wooden foundations were strengthened, the majority of the decaying carvings were replaced and the entire building was cleaned.
The clock has been the centrepiece of many historical events - one enterprising young lad is said to have scaled its very summit in order to get a better view of the launch of RMS Titanic from the Harland & Wolff shipyard in 1912.
Erected by the City of Belfast.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Communications. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.
Location. 54° 36.055′ N, 5° 55.465′ W. Marker is in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Marker is at the intersection of Victoria Street and High Street/Queen's Square, on the right when traveling north on Victoria Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17 Queens Square, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT1 3FF, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. High Street (within shouting distance of this marker); St. George's Church (within shouting distance of this marker); James Holmes (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Custom House Square (about 90 meters away); Anthony Trollope (about 120 meters away); Custom House (about 120 meters away); Calder Fountain (about 120 meters away); Donegall Quay (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Belfast.
Also see . . .
1. Albert Memorial Clock, Belfast. (Submitted on June 11, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Visit Belfast. (Submitted on June 11, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 7, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 394 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 11, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.