While time often feels like it has stood still for visitors to the Newburgh Priory, for at least the last 15 years time literally remained stuck at 10.59am on the centrepiece of the Grade I-listed property in Coxwold, near Thirsk.

Having suffered frost damage, the clock's dials became dislodged and its hands trapped, stopping the internal mechanism, leaving the Wombwell family, current custodians of the priory, founded in 1145, with a costly repair bill.

Now the clock has been restored on the grand 18th century Georgian façade of the priory, with work having been completed on a £17,000 restoration project, supported by a £13,000 grant from the Howardian Hills Partnership.

Paul Robson, from Newburgh Priory Estate, said: “Seeing the clock working again is like welcoming back an old friend.

Paul Robson (left) from Newburgh Priory Estate and Nick Burrows from the Howardian Hills National Landscape celebrating the restoration of the clock tower at the historic building.

placeholder image — Paul Robson (left) from Newburgh Priory Estate and Nick Burrows from the Howardian Hills National Landscape celebrating the restoration of the clock tower at the historic building.

"Once again it is the focal point of the gatehouse building, which is the first thing visitors see. The clock is also nearly 170 years old, so it’s a slice of history in itself.”

The timepiece was created by Darling and Wood, in York.