Description:

Situated in the centre of the square, the clock tower has four faces. At its base, on the side opposite the wooden door giving access to the clock mechanism is a niche containing a bronze bust of Sir Smith Child, said at the time to be an 'excellent likeness'. The tower is surmounted by a stepped roof and, above that, a tabernacle with two Gothic arches on each side and crocketed gables and spire.

Background:

Sir Smith Child of Newfield Hall, Tunstall

Sir Smith Child (1808-1896) was a local MP from 1851 until 1874, when he retired from active politics. He was High Sheriff for Staffordshire in 1865, and was made a baronet in 1868.

Throughout his life, he was a major benefactor in the Potteries, making contributions to many charitable institutions. He contributed every year to the North Staffordshire Infirmary, also serving as President and Vice-President on its management committee. In 1877 he built and endowed the Smith Child ward, originally intended for incurable patients, but finally opened as a children's hospital.

He also supported the Samaritan Society and the Cottage Hospital in Longton. The Victoria Institute in Tunstall was built largely as a result of his efforts. Moreover, he was the first to give to the victims of the Talke colliery disaster fund in 1868. He helped start the North Staffordshire Miners Permanent Relief Fund in 1870, and gave to the Leycett colliery disaster fund in 1880.

The clock tower was unveiled by Alfred Meakin, treasurer of the Memorial Committee in the presence of Sir Smith Child's son, John Child, Sir Smith Child himself being too ill to attend.

There was a sizeable Masonic presence at the unveiling ceremony, with some 40 members of the Smith Child Lodge in attendance.

The tower was restored by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in 1993.