In many Somerset villages and towns, life moves at a gentle pace—a charm cherished by locals and visitors alike. But in Shepton Mallet, time literally stood still for years as the town’s beloved clock above the post office ceased to function.
The clock first stopped at 7:20 several years ago. Someone adjusted it later to 12 o’clock, but after that, its hands remained frozen, powerless to tell the passing hours. The town’s landmark, once a proud symbol, became a quiet reminder of time lost.
Thanks to the dedication of the Shepton Mallet Area History Group, led by local historian Chris Norman, and generous funding from the Rotary Club, the clock has now been restored to perfect working order. The repairs, costing around £4,000, included installing a new gearbox and updated technical parts to keep the minute and hour hands moving smoothly.
Chris Norman reflected on the clock’s silent years: “It was a poor reflection on Shepton Mallet to have the town clock stopped. Previous repair attempts hadn’t succeeded, and we understood the council’s reluctance to continue spending without results.”
With the repair funds secured, Chris and his fellow historians sought out the best specialists to restore the clock. Now, the ancient timepiece runs on electricity, providing improved reliability and precision.
As the UK prepares to turn clocks back for the end of British Summer Time on Sunday, October 26th at 2 am, all eyes in Shepton Mallet will be on the old clock to see if it gracefully adapts to the new time.
While smartphones have largely replaced the need for public clocks, the restoration of Shepton Mallet’s clock restores a vital piece of the town’s historic charm. It’s a symbol of community effort and a reminder that some traditions are worth preserving, ticking faithfully hour by hour once more.