Any chance of Winchelsea getting its clock back?
I READ with great interest the article in last week’s Observer about the clock in St Mary’s Tower and the link with Winchelsea.
The possibility that the clock came from Winchelsea and may date from the 14th century suggests that it might be the clock purchased by the town in 1388.
It is quite probable that it was sold to Rye, as Winchelsea’s decline into poverty in the 16th century prompted the Corporation to sell of numerous other civic assets including the bells from the market cross, the stone of one of the town’s gates and ceremonial plate.
A new clock was purchased in 1790 by the Rector. It is not clear if there was one in the meantime.
Any chance of getting it back?
Richard Comotto
Winchelsea