By Isle of Wight Observer
A long-forgotten piece of Newport’s history has been rediscovered, bringing to light the remarkable story of how the famous Wadham’s clock, from St James’ Square, was saved from destruction more than 30 years ago.
Matthew Price, of the Newport & Carisbrooke Heritage Society, takes up the story. He said: “For decades, the clock mounted on the former Wadham’s Furnishers building was a familiar sight overlooking St James’ Square. Generations of Islanders glanced up at it as they passed through Newport’s historic centre, and it became one of the square’s most recognisable landmarks.
“When the building changed in the early 1990s, many believed the clock had been lost forever. However, the mystery of what happened to the clock has now been solved.
“Local resident, Viv Nobbs, recognised the clock’s historical importance, and many years ago just happened to be walking past the Wadhams building during refurbishment when she saw it had been thrown in a skip. She quickly negotiated a deal with the builders and performed an incredible rescue of the clock.
“Thanks to her quick thinking, the remains of the clock were saved and carefully kept in storage for more than three decades. It is an incredible story that Viv salvaged this clock as it was literally being thrown into the skip. She managed to collect up all the parts, even down to the pieces of broken glass.”
Viv, together with her husband Graham, has now entrusted (on long-term loan) the remains of the clock to Matthew and John Farthing of the Heritage Society, ensuring that this important piece of Newport’s past will be preserved and shared with the community.
The clock is now on public display at the Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council building at 64 High Street, Newport, which is also the home of the Heritage Society, allowing residents and visitors alike to see this fascinating relic from the town’s past.
The rediscovery of the clock also comes at a fitting time for the historic building where it once hung. The former Wadhams premises in St James’ Square have recently undergone restoration by current owners, Sarah and Chris Chatwin, who have carefully brought the building back to life while respecting its historic character.
Their work has not only restored one of Newport’s most prominent historic buildings but has also created opportunities for young people through the Platform One Sustainable Fashion School, which is now based there. The addition of a café has also opened the building to the public once again, allowing visitors to step inside and enjoy the space.
Adding a special connection to the Wadham’s clock exhibition occasion, Michael Wadham, a member of the Wadham family whose business once occupied the building, attended to see the historic clock linked to his family’s past being preserved for future generations.
Viv Nobbs said she was delighted that the Wadham’s clock was being given an opportunity, finally, to be on display in Newport and that the inspiring proposed restoration of the Wadham’s building had given her the confidence to work alongside other interested parties with a view to ensuring the long-term security of the clock. She had always been keen that the clock should be seen again, in Newport specifically. She thanked John, Matt, Lucy, and all the members of the Newport & Carisbrooke Heritage Society for their encouragement and support and hoped that visitors to the exhibition would enjoy the display.
Matthew added: “Although the clock may no longer mark the passing of time above the square, it now tells a different story, one of local heritage, community effort and the determination of individuals who care about Newport’s history.
“Thanks to the actions of one resident who refused to see it thrown away, a small but important piece of the town’s past has been saved. A huge thank you to Viv for making sure this important artefact of Newport’s historic past is still here for us to enjoy. And after more than 30 years, the story of the Wadham’s clock has finally come full circle.”
Mal Butler