The FASCINATING history of a major landmark will be told this month.

As part of the restoration project involving Ruthin Town Clock, also known as the Peers Memorial, two events will be held to tell the history of the structure and look at artefacts relating to the man the clock was built to commemorate – Joseph Peers.

The clock was built in 1883 as a memorial for his work in the area for 50 years in the 19th century. It was designed by the prominent Victorian architect John Douglas and is Grade II listed.

The first event will be a history lecture about the clock, the man it was built to commemorate and the architect who designed it. This will be led by archaeologist and historian Fiona Gale on Wednesday, April 17 at the  Old Courthouse, Ruthin.

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The second event will be a session with archivist Sarah Roberts at the Denbighshire Archives at Ruthin Gaol. Documents, relating to his work as Clerk of the Peace and town clerk, will be on display for observation and discussion. This will take place on Tuesday, April 30 at 10am at Ruthin Gaol.

Rob Price, secretary of Ruthin Town Clock Restoration Committee, said: "The events are running alongside the project to restore the town clock funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and Denbighshire County Council, as part of the separate community engagement project funded by the Clocaenog Windfarm Fund and Ruthin Town Council.

"The community engagement project will include a series of events and lectures, a quilting competition, practical talks, a history booklet and other activities.

"The project was started by a committee of local volunteers in 2021," Mr Price added.

"The restoration committee is a group of local volunteers led by chair Fiona Gale with numerous committee members, some of whom have expertise in the restoration and conservation of historical buildings.

"Funding was secured back in 2021 to make the plans for the restoration by appointing a conservation architect and to secure cost projections for the work. A community consultation event was then held in September 2021 at the Old Courthouse and town library for the community to have their say about the restoration plans, with the feedback overwhelmingly positive."

Cllr Anne Roberts, mayor of Ruthin, said: "These upcoming events will shed light on the clock’s fascinating history, and give people the opportunity to learn more about the town’s history as well as the restoration project."

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Cllr Roberts, who is also member of the clock restoration committee, added: "The restoration project started by a committee of local volunteers is scheduled to start this summer, so that this treasured landmark at the heart of the town will be protected for future generations."

The plans for the restoration of the building were designed by conservation architect Elinor Gray Williams. Elinor has experience and expertise in historical buildings including architect services on projects involving Portmeirion, Caernarfon Town Walls, Bangor Diocese and tutors final year students at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth for the RIBA accredited MA in Sustainable Architecture.

Elinor will be involved with the programme of restorative work to the Town Clock which is expected to start in July 2024.

Both events have limited capacity. Booking essential. Contact Heather Williams on 01824 704998 or htnw@btinternet.com