Time has taken it’s toll

The much-loved clock tower overlooking the quad at Winchester House School is in urgent need of restoration.

This beautiful feature forms part of what was originally the stable block of the Manor House, built between 1875 and 1877 during the major redevelopment of the estate for the Earl of Ellesmere. When Winchester House moved to Brackley in 1922, the school inherited this remarkable building, which remains a central and cherished part of the school today.

Now a Grade II listed structure, the building requires careful and specialist restoration to preserve its historic character for future generations.

The first phase of this project is planned for this summer and will focus on repairing the clock tower to ensure the building remains safe, secure, and well preserved. As a central feature of the school, maintaining the tower is a key priority.

It was originally hoped that the clock could be repaired at the same time. However, due to the extensive nature of the restoration work required, the clock will now need to be removed and repaired separately. We are currently assessing the scope of this element of the project and will provide further updates as plans progress.

The Mystery of the Missing Numbers

There’s a wonderful story often told about the clock…

It’s said that years ago, a group of mischievous pupils took on a daring challenge — climbing out of windows and making their way up to the clock tower, each claiming a number as a trophy! Today, some of those numbers are still missing.

There’s no blame and certainly no punishment — just a shared hope that these pieces of school history might one day find their way home.

If you happen to have one, you can quietly return it by post, addressed to Katie Applin. (Don’t worry — we won’t tell!)