Older than London’s Big Ben, Palayamkottai’s historic clock is set to chime again

When antique clock collector Robert Kennedy and master clocksmith Nagaraj climbed the bell tower of the historic Holy Trinity Cathedral at Palayamkottai in Tirunelveli district to inspect its tower clock recently, they were thrilled to make a remarkable discovery: the timepiece predates the Great Bell of the Great Clock at the Palace of Westminster, London, nicknamed Big Ben.

“Big Ben was installed in 1859, whereas this clock was manufactured in 1854 and installed in 1855. It was made by John Moore & Sons of Clerkenwell, a renowned London-based clockmaker,” said Mr. Kennedy, who has been invited by the church authorities to examine the mechanism and undertake its restoration. The year 1854 is engraved on the clock.

The historic Holy Trinity Cathedral at Palayamkottai
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Special Arrangement

The cathedral itself, built in 1826 by Rev. C.T.E. Rhenius, recently celebrated its bicentenary, adding further historical significance to the restoration effort. Although the clock continues to function, it has fallen silent in recent years, unable to deliver its once sonorous chime owing to a technical defect. Mr. Kennedy, who examined other clocks in the country, is also of the view that the Holy Trinity Cathedral clock could be the oldest tower clock in India.

After repeated but unsuccessful attempts to restore the bell’s chime, the church authorities contemplated installing a battery-operated mechanism as a substitute. They approached Mr. Kennedy and, following two months of deliberations, he agreed to take up the challenge alongside Mr. Nagaraj, with whom he has restored numerous antique clocks to their former glory. He was unequivocal in his opposition to replacing the original mechanism.

Given that tower clocks of that era were custom-built, the replacement components for the cathedral clock will have to be painstakingly handcrafted
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

After inspecting the clock, Mr. Nagaraj found the fault lay in the chiming section.

“Tower clocks are meant to be wound weekly; they embody a complex yet exquisitely engineered mechanical system. To replace such craftsmanship with a battery-operated unit would amount to murdering the clock. I told them that if they were determined to install a battery, they might as well sell the clock to me,” said Mr. Kennedy, who possesses an extensive collection of antique clocks, watches and lanterns. His collection has previously been featured in The Hindu.

Exuding confidence, Mr. Kennedy told the church committee that the remuneration of ₹1.2 lakh should be paid to Mr. Nagaraj only if the bell chimes again. “We have already submitted our technical report, and I am confident that we shall restore it to full working order,” he said.

Mr. Nagaraj said he would restore the clock to its former glory within a week, though he would be able to pinpoint the precise problem only once work commenced. Given that tower clocks of that era were custom-built, the replacement components for the cathedral clock will have to be painstakingly handcrafted.

Mr. Kennedy, who examined other clocks in the country, is also of the view that the Holy Trinity Cathedral clock could be the oldest tower clock in India
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

“The true excitement begins when we start fabricating the parts on the lathe. Once the work is complete, the clock will chime again, and its sound will once more resonate across the neighbourhood,” Mr. Kennedy said, with quiet assurance.

He said there was a need for a comprehensive study of historic clocks across Tamil Nadu, particularly in the southern districts, observing such treasures deserve careful documentation and preservation as part of the region’s rich architectural heritage.