The scaffolding may be down, the tools packed away – but the story of Ruthin’s Clock Tower is far from over.
Recently, the community came together to mark the official reopening of the tower following its extensive conservation – a project we at R. Moore Building Conservation were privileged to be involved in. It was a day of gratitude, reflection, and celebration.
Rory Moore was presented with a beautiful framed collage and a commemorative booklet – thoughtfully compiled and designed to honour the transformation of the clock tower. The booklet, titled Ruthin Clock Tower: A Timely Restoration, doesn’t just chart the technical aspects of the work – it captures the heart of the project: the connection between building and community.
Rory also had the opportunity to speak at the event, sharing before-and-after photographs and telling the story of the tower’s revival from a stonemason’s perspective. It was clear from the conversations after Rory’s talk that this building means so much to Ruthin. It stands not only as a monument to Victorian craftsmanship, but also as a living part of the town’s identity.
For us, conservation doesn’t end when the last scaffold pole is taken down. In many ways, that’s where the real story begins. It’s about seeing people gather again in the shadow of something eroded by the ravages of time – and now returned to dignity and strength. It’s about schoolchildren pointing upwards, conversations sparked on the street, and residents seeing their town’s heritage brought back to life.
This work isn’t just about stone and mortar. It’s about place. And pride. And people.
We’re deeply grateful to the Ruthin community – not only for trusting us with their beloved tower, but for the welcome and warmth we’ve felt throughout. The framed artwork we received will hang in our workshop as a daily reminder of what this work is really all about.
As ever, the project lives on. In the photos shared. In the stories told. And in the tower itself – now standing tall for generations to come.
PS. We’re in the news! Check it out here.
Learn more about the conservation of Ruthin Clock Tower here.
