AN historic clock that disappeared from the centre of Wisbech last summer is on its way back, after a clock expert bought the time piece at a prestigious London auction house and discovered its connections with the town.

Cambs Times: The clock in Bridge Street Wisbech before it was removed.The clock in Bridge Street Wisbech before it was removed. (Image: Archant)

Wisbech Society and the Rotary Club of Wisbech Club have agreed to pay the dealer £1,200 for Dann’s Clock that stood proudly over a Bridge Street shop for 150 years, and will arrange to have it repaired and re-erected at its original site.

Rotary secretary Bill Redmayne said: “We are absolutely delighted that we are bringing the clock back. The dealer who bought the clock from Bonham’s did some research and discovered it came from Wisbech.

“He called Maxey Grounds & Co, and they got in touch with us. Both the Wisbech Society and the Rotary Club are celebrating their 75th anniversary this year, and this is a fitting way to celebrate.”

The clock that stood above the former tobacconists W R Smith was made by Fenland watchmaker James Dann, and had been in the wall since 1864, before it was taken down last summer. The previous owner of the building, now the home of estate agents William H Brown, is believed to have sold the clock.

Mr Redmayne added: “Richard Barnwell of Wisbech Society and Rotary vice-president Jon Martin will travel to Sussex to bring the clock back to Wisbech.

“We will then arrange for clock specialist Ken Armitage to carry out any repairs and re-site the clock.

“William H Brown has been very co-operative, and are very pleased to have the clock back on their building for the sake of the town.

“The Rotary Club had initially wanted to put a clock up to mark our anniversary, and when we heard that Dann’s Clock was available, it was a great opportunity to reinstate the clock.

“When the clock first disappeared, Wisbech Society and Wisbech Rotary Club started to investigate, but we drew a blank. So when we got the call from Maxey Grounds we were delighted.”