Junction of Hexthorpe Road, Urban Road and Shadyside, Hexthorpe. Doncaster

Landmark, art work or way finder

Assets whose form and function are readily visible, but which are not Buildings. This category includes signage and works of art such as murals and statues.

Asset type

Commemorative Monument erected by public subscription in commemoration of the Coronation of King George VI. This was the only memorial to the coronation in the old borough of Doncaster (apart from some tree planting)

Age

Erected in 1937 to commemorate the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. It was the only permanent structure to be erected in Doncaster borough to mark this event.

Rarity

This clock tower was unique it was just built specifically as a commemorative monument for King George VI coronation. The clock was funded by the residents of Hexthorpe, and the design was also meant to help the local workers of the Doncaster Plant Works nearby to keep on time. Following design by the Borough Surveyor it was built by a local Hexthorpe resident. It was also the only permanent structure built in Doncaster to commemorate the coronation of King George VI in 1937.

Architectural and Artistic Interest

The Clock Tower stands 18 feet high and is built in an Art Deco design. It is built from local 2 inch Askern Asgold Rustic stacked bricks specially jointed and stands on a feathered concrete platform with a clock at its top section. The base plinth is edged with single bullnose bricks. The top was surmounted by a globular electric light which replaced the gas standard lamp which stood on the site previously. There was a clock at the top section of one side of the pillar with a bronze plaque below which read "Erected by public subscription in commemoration of the Coronation of their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth 19th May 1937" The Sheffield Independent (16th December 1937) stated that the tower was designed by Mr. P. O'Kirby the Borough Surveyor and was built by Mr. J. Butterfield, a Hexthorpe resident. In the 1990s the tower was given a facelift and 2 new faces were installed due to the availability of a double sided clock mechanism from another council building.(G Warnes, Hexpress 1996). From its appearance the Askern Rustic bricks have been reinforced with metal ties and the outside repointed which has saved it from further deterioration.

Historic Interest

As part of the preparations for celebrations for the Coronation of King George VI in 1937 Alderman T. Bramworth suggested locally that every Hexthorpe street undertook their own celebrations. The cost of the clock was raised largely from the surplus money plus local donations. The Clock stands not far from the entrance to the famous Doncaster Plant works. Alderman Morris, who unveiled the clock, is quoted as saying that "men who worked at the Plant Works would benefit from the clock. The railway in Doncaster had a reputation not only for having the fastest trains but for keeping the best time." (Sheffield Independent 1937). At a ceremony (reported on by the Doncaster Gazette) on 16th December 1937, it was unveiled by Alderman Morris. Alderman T. Bramworth then made the formal presentation to the Doncaster Corporation, it was accepted by the Mayor Councillor W. Corbett. It is reported as the only structure built within the Doncaster Borough to commemorate the Coronation. On the clock tower was a bronze plaque which read "Erected by public subscription in commemoration of the Coronation of their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth 19th May 1937." Unfortunately the bronze plaque was stolen many years ago but the Doncaster Civic Trust are in discussions with CDC to have it replaced.

Landmark Status

The Clock tower stands in the centre of the suburb of Hexthorpe on a street junction opposite to the Parish Church of St. Jude's. It was erected in 1937 as a commemoration of King George VI Coronation and was paid for by the local residents of Hexthorpe and has been in the same place since. Many alterations of buildings and houses have taken place in the intervening years but it is still a well recognised monument in the centre of the community. Unfortunately the clock does need some work done to bring it back to its former state, discussions to achieve this are ungoing.

14 Aug 2023

14 Aug 2023

Find out more about this Asset in South Yorkshire Local Heritage List:
https://local-heritage-list.org.uk/south-yorkshire/asset/5680