The clock tower of Camperdown was built in memory of Thomas Peter Manifold who was killed in a hunting accident in 1895. Thomas had bequeathed £1000 pounds in his will to the local council for the erection of a clock tower. The legend goes that on one instance he missed a train in Camperdown. Now whether or not that trip had some significant importance we’ll never know, but it was at that point that he decided that Camperdown needed a clock.
The unique gothic style tower was designed by local architect Michael McCabe. Building of the 35.3 metre high tower commenced in 1896. It is said that hidden in the foundations are two bottles of beer donated by the licensee of the Leura Hotel. The bricks were brought in from Melbourne by train, and were laid at a rate of roughly 3 metres per week. The bricks and mortar were raised by a block and tackle system using a pony that would walk up and down the avenue.
The clock mechanism was made by T Gaunt & Co of Melbourne, a well known clock and watch maker. The three bells were cast especially for T Gaunt & Co by Mears and Stainbark of London.
On the day of the opening in 1897, the pendulum was tied off with a silk ribbon to prevent it from swinging and the clock hands were set at 3 o’clock. A small gathering of the Manifold family and a representative of T Gaunt & Co presented Mrs W.T Manifold with a silver pair of scissors to cut the ribbon.
Logging Requirements
To log this cache, please send us the answers to the following questions:
1. At GZ you’ll be standing next to the clock tower. Locate the plaque at the base of the clock tower. What year was Thomas born?
Now head over to WP1.
2. This is a statue of Thomas Manifold’s brother James. What is he holding in his right hand?
3. Include a photo of yourself or your caching name with both the clock tower and the statue in the background.
Answers need to be sent within 10 days of logging your log will be deleted. This is to ensure the game is played in the true spirit.
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.