The Clock Tower, High Street
“That’s my bell, Gabriel. I’m the grand, old Clock Tower. You’ll find me in Market Place, the tall, majestic building, not bad for 611! Ah, the things I have seen, history taking place before my very eyes, Cromwell arresting the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire and the start of the First Battle of St Albans.
If you were to stand in front of me in Victorian times, you would see a wooden shop sign, announcing, “Walklate – saddler and harness maker”. Of all the businesses that have been run from me, James Walklate was my favourite. If you were to peep inside, you would see the men hard at work with all their tools busily making saddles.
Then climb my 93 stone steps, through Walklate’s store room, past my Clock made in 1866 and still going strong, past Gabriel and up to the top, where you can see still see where James Walklate’s son, Edward carved his name in my stone, and look out to the ever-changing but still magnificent views. Do come and see me soon and Gabriel.”
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