The Dockyard Clock: A Timepiece with a Storied Past

The Dockyard Clock, located on Halifax's waterfront, is more than just a timepiece; it's a tangible link to the city's rich naval past. Crafted in London in 1767 by Ayneth Thwaites, the clock originally found its home in the domed cupola of the Hauser Stores in 1772. These stores served as naval warehouses, stocking provisions and clothing. Over the years, the clock has been relocated a few times. When the Hauser Stores were demolished in 1941, it was moved to the HMC Dockyard Fire Hall in 1943. After the Fire Hall was torn down in 1986, the clock was presented to the Halifax Regional Municipality in 1996. Today, it stands on a monument at Chebucto Landing, close to the Halifax Ferry Terminal, serving as a reminder of the close ties between Canada's Navy and the city. The clock itself is a masterpiece of 18th-century craftsmanship, featuring hand-tooled inner workings, forged shafts, and filled gears. A 250-pound weight drives its nine-foot pendulum. The monument that houses the clock incorporates elements of its history, with an "X" motif recalling the railing pattern of the original Hauser Stores. The Dockyard Clock stands as the oldest working clock in Canada.