Stopped clock installation pays tribute to the history of “Stroud Time”

4 April 2025

A new piece of artwork unveiled this week at Five Valleys Shopping Centre in Stroud gives a timely nod to the fascinating history of when the town had its own time zone.

A stunning antique clock has been carefully installed in the upper mall area at Five Valleys and can be seen as a striking welcome to visitors entering from King Street.

Set permanently to 12:09 the piece is a well-timed reminder that in the 19th Century, Stroud followed its own local time system - based on the position of the sun.

The piece was unveiled by the Mayor of Stroud, Cllr Tony Davey on Thursday April 3rd at 12:09.

Cllr Davey said: "Stroud has such a rich, interesting (and oftentimes quirky) heritage that shapes the town and culture we enjoy today. This installation helps raise awareness of the history of Stroud Time and it is great to celebrate this part of our history. I hope it ignites imagination and starts some interesting conversations."

The Five Valleys team and owners Dransfield Properties researched the history of Stroud Time and visited the Museum in the Park to find out more about the story of when the town ran nine minutes behind Greenwich Meantime.

When the Great Western Railway reached Stroud in 1845 the timetable ran on GMT, which was out of step with Stroud Time – causing much confusion.  In 1858 a clock was mounted outside the shop of the Jeweller Robert Bragg showing Greenwich or “Railway” time so local people had a reference for the train departures and arrivals.

Greenwich Mean Time did not officially become standard time by law until 1880. Meanwhile, towns were at liberty to make their own decisions about what time to follow. Stroud was among the last 2% of UK towns to change from its own local time zone.

Called “Stroud Noon” the installation is a celebration of Stroud’s proudly independent spirit.

Managing Director of Dransfield Properties, James Shepherd, said: “Stroud is such a unique and special place and when we heard about the story of Stroud Time, we definitely wanted to celebrate that little bit of the town’s history with the clock we planned to install at Five Valleys.

“When it is 12:09 everywhere else, its noon according to the Stroud time zone - so we have called the piece Stroud Noon, we love the clock and the story behind it and we hope everyone else will too. “

Robrt Bragg’s original clock and more about the Stroud Time story can be found in the Museum in the Park at Stratford Park, Stroud.

Zoë Wilcox Documentation and Collections Officer said: We’re delighted that Five Valleys is showcasing the story of Stroud Time and we hope that people will come and see Robert Bragg’s clock in the museum to discover more about it.’

For opening hours and details visit  museuminthepark.org.uk and to keep up to date with news and events at Five Valley visit www.fivevalleysstroud.co.uk

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk