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Clock Tower

Location Manifold Street,, CAMPERDOWN VIC 3260 - Property No B0692 File Number B0692 Level State

[1/1] B0692 Clocktower Camperdown

Statement of Significance

What is significant? The Finlay Avenue of Elms, Manifold Clock Tower and Public Monument Precinct forms a dramatic central landscape feature in the town. The 30 metre high, red brick clock tower of 1896-97 was built with a bequest from Thomas Manifold, of the wealthy pioneering family renowned for their local patronage. The Late Victorian Medieval Revival style tower, which incorporates eclectic French Gothic elements, is Camperdown architect Michael McCabe's most substantial work, while the clock itself is a fine example of an English Flat Bed Turret Clock circa 1890.
How is it significant? The Finlay Avenue of Elms, Manifold Clock Tower and Public Monument Precinct is historically, architecturally, socially and aesthetically important to the State of Victoria.
Why is it significant? The Finlay Avenue of Elms, Manifold Clock Tower and Public Monument Precinct is historically, aesthetically and socially important as a celebrated and instantly recognisable landmark feature in Western Victoria. It also represents outstanding town planning practice. The Clock Tower is a State landmark, a permanent symbol of Manifold patronage in Camperdown, and a remarkable legacy of a pioneering family.
The Manifold Clock Tower is architecturally important as a rare example of a Late Victorian Medieval Revival style clock tower, which successfully incorporates eclectic French Gothic elements. It is the most distinguished free-standing clock tower in the State and is unrivalled in rural Victoria for its dramatic streetscape qualities.
Adapted from Heritage Victoria statement: 28/05/2014
Classified: 20/8/1959
Revised: 03/08/1998