I took a closer look at the Town Hall Clock pictures. The maker plate reads W Potts & Sons Leeds 1895, the same business who still maintain it, part of the Smith of Derby Group.
Next to the clock face, however, above one of the openings that lead through to the clock face balcony, there is an interesting shield with a face on it.
It is presumably Royalty and as the building opened in 1895 when Victoria was on the throne and that looks like a Prince of Wales badge at the top, I reckon it was Prince Albert Edward, who went on to be Edward VII.
The face looks familar from old pennies, see the picture below from the Robert Opie Collection.
The question is- what is it doing up in the Clock Tower? What is it made of? Why is it wonky?
I should imagine these people may be able to shed some light:
http://www.morleyarchives.ik.com/
It’s run by a couple of respected local historians - they have a guest book and an e-form for queries.
Comment by pj — February 18, 2008 @ 5:11 pm
PJ, I have just emailed JT to see if he knows the story. I have a CD of theirs called “History of the Town Hall” which I’ve never looked closely at.
Comment by Shades — February 18, 2008 @ 7:41 pm