Clocktower

The Clocktower in Barnstaple was erected in 1862 in memory of Albert, Prince Consort, designed by R.D. Gould. It is constructed from limestone ashlar with dressings of Devon marble, sandstone, other local stones, and patterned tiles. The tower features an octagonal shaft on a wider octagonal base, which has a chamfered top and is flanked by buttresses on each of its four main faces. Above this base is a square, corbelled clock chamber with angle-shafts and a clock dial on each face. The roof is hipped and leaded, with a bracketed corbel-table. At the top, there is a small belfry with a leaded spire and weather-vane. Each of the four faces has a pair of pointed arch openings, separated by a column with a foliated capital, and above each pair is a gablet that rests against the base of the spire. The bell remains inside the tower.

On the south side, the base of the tower features a stair doorway with a shaped head. The north side has a water trough that projects from a shallow recess with a pointed arch made of grey and white marble. This arch springs from short columns with pink marble shafts and foliated white marble capitals. Behind the recess is a panel of coloured tiles, topped with a coat of arms in white marble. The original drinking fountain has been removed. On the east and west sides, there are pointed arches of moulded red sandstone with relieving arches made of differently coloured local stones. Inside these arches are commemorative marble plaques dedicated to Prince Albert.

Historically, the clocktower was built at the request of the then mayor, John Norrington, and funded by public subscription, with some funds specifically raised for the drinking fountain. The original design did not include a clock.