AN 1839 clock which was stolen 15 years ago from the Royal Berkshire Hospital has been found and restored in time for the hospital's 180th anniversary.

Standing half way up the original staircase in the North block, the clock, dating back to the opening of the hospital in 1839, was stolen approximately 15 years ago.

However, thanks to a chance sighting of an auctioneer's catalogue by local clock maker and repairer David Card who knew the clock well and had been maintaining it for some years, the clock was found and saved just in time.

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A small photograph of the clock in the catalogue happened to catch David’s eye.

Recognising it, he immediately contacted the auctioneer and the police, and then rushed to the warehouse in London where it had been packaged ready for export to New York, after being sold at auction.

David was able to confirm the identification of the clock by remembering a drawing on the reverse face of the dial and therefore only visible when the clock has been taken apart.

After the original clock had been stolen, David generously made a copy, which he presented in memory of his wife, who was cared for at the hospital.

The replica clock has stood in place of the original on the North Block staircase ever since.

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After being found, the original clock has been entrusted to the care of the Medical Museum, where it remains.

Due to its age and damage done during the time it went missing, the clock required some extensive repair and restoration work.

So as part of the 180th anniversary in May this year, David was keen to do the work, which was kindly funded by the Royal Berks Charity.

Visitors are welcome to visit the Medical museum on London Road, Reading to see the clock when it’s open to the general public from 2pm until 4:30 pm on the first and third Sundays of the month.