From far off, visitors to High Royds are at first impressed by the striking
roofline complete with fairytale towers. Dominating all was the great clock tower, it's solid bulk sparsely decorated with
low battlements and heavy gothic arches.
The clock was manufactured by the great clockmaking dynasty Potts & Sons, who had been
involved in the business since 1790. In 1847, William Potts was commissioned by Lord Grimthorpe to manufacture a clock for
Ilkley Parish Church. This was the beginning of a lifelong friendship which produced many introductions for further work with
which Lord Grimthorpe was involved.
The latter part of the Victorian era saw many large clocktowers being built. This
was a pioneering age of order and discipline and the clock at High Royds was inescapable for inmates and staff alike. This
was a place of regimen and routine with the massive face peering down and it's heavy chimes calling out the orders for the
next activity, treatment, meal or lights out.
