Each year, as regularly as clock work, the St Albans Clock Tower is officially opened for the new season by the incumbent Mayor on Good Friday. This year’s Mayor, Councillor Rosemary Farmer, will be photographed holding the 7 lb, iron ceremonial key, a replica of the Victorian key held by the Verulamium Museum, by the front door of the Clock Tower on Friday, 19 April at 10.30 am. This symbolises the opening of the Clock Tower to the public for the new season when the Tower will be opened from 10.30 am to 5 pm every weekend and Bank Holiday until the end of September.
Thousands of visitors are expected to climb the 93 steps to the roof to enjoy the magnificent views of the town and surrounding countryside over the coming season. On their way up, visitors can view the working Victorian turret clock, the medieval bell, Gabriel and enjoy this season’s display, Poverty and Want in Past Times. This exhibition highlights the treatment of the poor and destitute in St. Albans over the centuries. It was first shown as part of the Squatlife Exhibition held at St Albans Museum + Gallery in the summer 2018, funded by the Heritage Lottery and organised by the St Albans Arts Team.
Entry to the Clock Tower is still only £1 for adults and accompanied children are free. Where else can you pay just £1 for a lifetime’s memory?
