A CHURCH clock that experts believe is one of the oldest working timepieces in the country is set to return to its home in Somerset.

The much-loved clock at the historic St Catherine’s Church in Montacute near Yeovil has been undergoing specialist restoration since its removal in March.

The clock was previously thought to have been constructed in the 1600s.

But now, new research led by Mark Lidster, buildings adviser for the Diocese of Bath and Wells and clocks adviser to the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches, confirmed the clock’s mechanism is significantly older than first believed and was probably originally constructed in the early 1400s.

Restoration efforts have seen the mechanism overhauled and strengthened by specialists in restoring ancient turret clocks, Timsbury Clocks.

The dial has been restored to its traditional colours of blue and gold and has been re-gilded.

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Restorer Symon Boyd has been re-installing the inner workings of the clock in the church, ready for the dial to be fastened back on the tower on July 1.

Nic Laycock, Churchwarden of St Catherine’s and lead on the restoration project, said: “It is a matter of pride that this Somerset treasure has been restored, and its story will be displayed using entirely Somerset-based specialists.”

The clock will take its rightful place in the church on August 10 Picture: GRACE Productions

A time capsule is being prepared by pupils at All Saints Church School, which has close links with St Catherine’s.

The time capsule will be placed behind the clock face, commemorating the restoration for future generations to discover and enjoy.

Pupils will be at the church to watch as the dial is returned to the tower.

A rededication service, scheduled for August 10, will not only mark the return of the clock to its rightful place in the church tower but will also celebrate its extraordinary legacy.

Michael Beasley, the Bishop of Bath and Wells, will preside at the service. There will also be a village festival with hog roast, Morris dancing, bands and a choir.

Meanwhile, development of a special exhibition space inside St Catherine’s is well underway.

The clock room located 15 meters up the church tower has been fitted with new lighting and cameras to showcase the inner workings of the historic clock.

Picture: GRACE Productions

Inside the church, newly installed audio-visual displays will help tell the clock’s story, including fascinating details about its recent restoration.

Among the highlights will be a set of large iron church door keys believed to date back to the Reformation, which were once used by villagers who wound the clock each day.

Nic Laycock said: “The clock has served Montacute for centuries.

“It carries with it a rich human story, from its construction to the remarkable men who cared for it day after day.

“If it could talk, it would recount the history of the church’s witness to the village from medieval times to the present day. We know many stories – but there may be much still to discover.”