Victoria's Tower

The Diamond Jubilee clock tower of 1897 has an interesting history that long pre-dates the devastating 2011 February 22 Earthquake. It's face may log the exact time that the 6.3 quake unleashed its power on the city (12.51pm), but the stories the clock and tower could tell stretch far back from that fateful day.

Originally sited in 1860 at the original Provincial Chambers, Benjamin Mountford's design was chosen for a memorial to the then Queen in 1897, it's original location being the intersection of Manchester, Lichfield and High Streets. After being considered hazardous to traffic it was relocated to its current location in 1930.

The clock mechanism has been renovated several times in its history, with work carried out to fit chimes before the 1897 relocation- it has been said that they were able to be heard from 2 miles away - and then again in the early 2000's when the tower was earthquake strengthened. Luckily this later work would surely later save the clock and tower from complete destruction.

Despite the work prior to the quake, the tower still faces an estimated repair bill in excess of $700,000, it's buttresses and arches damaged and stonework dislodged.

Even today with it's bent spire and damaged structure, the clock still retains the charm and grace of an old friend. It may be frozen in time, but life still goes on for one of Christchurch's grand old dames.