The Times Clock Tower – Epsom Downs

A contributor to a local Facebook group came across the above image.   We have carried out some simple research and found an article entitled Preparing for the Derby  in The Times of 31 May 1937 which contained the following text:

… A further innovation for this year’s Derby is a large clock which has been erected by The Times at the cross-roads between the paddock and the grandstand. The white clock tower is some 35ft. high and stands on a base 16ft. square. The clock case and clock face, which is 4ft. across, are bronze. Two sides of the clock tower bear panels in low relief of similar design to the familiar carved frieze over the offices of The Times – showing an open volume, symbolizing the Present, between two others, one (“Times Past “) also open, the third (” Future “) yet unopened. The makers of the clock are Gillett and Johnston, Limited, of Croydon. The clock will remain in position till this week’s meeting is over. It has already evoked suggestions from Epsom residents that a permanent clock might be set up with advantage on the same site to adorn the approach to the racecourse and also because of its usefulness to visitors. Hitherto the only clock has been the one on the front of the grand stand, and that is here only during race meetings. …

We know that the architects were Herbert Ellis & Clarke, and the builders were Trollope & Colls Ltd. and the clock tower was back in time for 1938 derby.