TIME is no longer stood still at a church synonymous with the Brontës.
The historic four-dialled timepiece in the tower of St Michael & All Angels' Church, Haworth, stopped working nearly two years ago after its mechanism was damaged by water ingress.
But now the clock has been repaired, and its familiar chimes – marking the hour and quarter hour – can once again be heard across the area.
Work on the project was carried out by the church's contractor, Smiths of Derby.
Also, as part of the scheme, an automatic winding machine was installed so that the clock no longer needs to be wound manually.
The timepiece was made by John Cryer, of Bingley, in 1864.
Its pendulum was ceremoniously started at the parish church at 4pm on October 15, 1870, by George Merrall – a church warden and major funder.
Barring some short interruptions over the years, the clock kept regular time until it stopped working in April, 2024.
Since 1985 the clock had been wound and cared for by well-known Haworth resident Jens Hislop, latterly with a team of helpers.
The Rev Oli Preston, rector of Haworth, says: "The repairs have taken some time because of the complexity of the task.
"We would like to thank our insurers, Ecclesiastical, for their help in returning our village’s beloved timepiece to working order.
"Equally, we are grateful to the Church Land Trustees for their financial assistance in funding the purchase of the auto-winder.
"We have future-proofed the clock by having the auto-winder installed. For 39 years Jens Hislop and his team have faithfully wound and tended the clock’s Victorian mechanism. Now they can enjoy a well-earned rest safe in the knowledge that the clock will beat time for years to come."
Repairs to the clock cost £26,625, and the bill for the new auto-winder was £12,150.
The Rev Preston adds: "People in Haworth have missed the church clock working and it’s good to know that it’s once again back on duty."
Visitors from across the world are drawn to the church through its Brontë links.
The Rev Patrick Brontë was appointed vicar there in 1820, and served for 41 years.
Most of the family – including Patrick, his wife Maria and their children Elizabeth, Maria, Branwell, Emily and Charlotte – are buried in a vault beneath the church. Of the siblings, only Anne was interred elsewhere – in Scarborough.
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