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Eastgate Clock

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A symbol of the city and Chester's most photogenic landmark, the Eastgate Clock is built on the original East Gate of Chester's Roman fortress. It was revealed on the occasion of Queen Victoria's 80th birthday in 1899.

The subject of postcards, trinkets and other city souvenirs, the Eastgate Clock is a grade 1 listed building in a cuboid shape with clock faces on each side. Its Roman numerals are made from frosted glass and are lit up at night. In former times the clock had to be wound up each week by hand - a bit of a laborious task, no doubt. Since 1992 it has ticked away quite happily on an electric wind-up mechanism.

The original Roman gate on which the clock sits used to be the main entrance to the city. It was widened in Georgian times to let carriages drive through. Today's gate dates back to this period.

Eastgate Clock