An application has been submitted to Rutland County Council for a church dating back to the 12th century to replace a broken face on the tower clock.

Holy Cross Church in Burley, Oakham, has put in an application for the clock dial to be replaced as it has 'deteriorated beyond repair.'

The church was originally built in the 12th century with the tower being added in the 14th century.

Holy Cross Church has submitted an application for the clock to be restored (Photo: via Rutland Council planning)

The renown 'Joseph Knibb clock' was installed in 1678 and repairs to the clock in 1976 were later discovered to be historically inaccurate as research revealed the original clock face was made from copper.

The submitted proposal is seeking permission to reinstate the clock's more traditional form, replacing the deteriorated black GRP clock face with a copper one.

According to the applicant, this will 'have a positive impact on the significance of the building as the renewal will not only restore the traditional aesthetic of the tower but will be true to the original materials used in the clock's construction.'

The consultation on the clock face's replacement will take place from Saturday 20 August 2026.

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