Albert Memorial Clock

The Albert Clock stands in Queen’s Square, Belfast, beside the old docks where the River Farset once flowed. Built between 1865 and 1869, the sandstone tower mixes French and Italian Gothic styles and rises to 113 feet. Its base shows flying buttresses with heraldic lions, and a statue of Prince Albert in Knight of the Garter robes faces west. The clock was made by Francis Moore of High Street, and a two-tonne bell hangs inside the tower. Because the ground was soft and reclaimed, the top now leans four feet off vertical. The tower’s history includes a public competition won by W. J. Barre, whose design was nearly lost when a rival firm was secretly awarded the contract. After protests Barre took over, and the £2,500 cost came from public donations. The lean gave rise to the local saying that the tower ‘has the time and the inclination.’ Bomb damage in 1992 and weathering later required a major restoration in 2002, when foundations were strengthened and decaying carvings replaced. Today Queen’s Square and Custom House Square around the clock are modern public spaces with trees, fountains and sculptures. The tower’s tilt and its past life near the docks still draw visitors, while films such as Odd Man Out and Danger Man have used it as a Belfast landmark.