Clock Tower, Little Plumstead Hospital

The Clock Tower at Little Plumstead Hospital was built in 1903 and is designed in the Arts and Crafts style. It features a square tapering structure made of rendered red brick and tile, topped with a plain tile roof.

The exterior consists of three stages. The lower section has a dado of tiles arranged in a chequerwork pattern, topped with a course of chevron-patterned tiles. Above this, there are two string courses of similar chevron tiling, with the lower one interrupted on the east face by three narrow round-headed lancets made entirely of edge-on tiles. The upper stage displays a circular clock face set within a square field, with the date 1903 inscribed in the spandrels. The west face has a square-headed lancet of tiles at the same level. A cornice of tiles in a chevron pattern sits above, leading to an open cupola supported by semi-circular tile arches on each face. The tower culminates in a pyramid roof with overhanging eaves and features an iron weathervane.

Inside, access is from the north through an opening with a semi-circular head from the existing stable building. A ladder leads to the first floor, which has a plain interior containing water tanks and clock weights. The upper stage houses a timber trestle clock frame that supports a cast-iron and brass tower clock mechanism, which is inscribed on the face of the setting dial as being made by John Moore & Sons of Camberwell, London, in 1843.

This clock tower is an attractive example of the Arts and Crafts style, built during a peak period for this architectural movement in Norfolk, a region known for its pioneering contributions. Clock towers of this kind are quite rare. The adjacent stable buildings, constructed in 1889, have undergone significant alterations and are not considered to have special architectural interest.