Hanwell Clock Tower

The Clock Tower on Hanwell Broadway was unveiled at midday on 7 May 1937, as part of Ealing's celebrations of the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Alderman Alfred Bradford, chairman of the Highways Committee, unveiled it; the Mayor, Frederick Woodward, was there too. The idea came from Timothy King, a Hanwell councillor. (Ealing Council)

The 1970s row

In the early 1970s a local estate agent, Mr Parish, called it a "dreadful concrete eyesore" and wanted to raise £5,000 to demolish it. Residents and commuters objected, and most felt it needed restoring, not removing. It was cleaned and restored the following year, and Mr Parish came round: "Come back, all is forgiven". (Ealing Council)

Since then

Cleaning and repair have been recurring problems. In 2002 it was restored again for the Queen's Golden Jubilee, the clock was restarted and a new plaque put up. (Ealing Council) The area around it is a conservation area: see the council's Hanwell Clock Tower conservation area appraisal (PDF).

Sources: Ealing Council: Other notable buildings: Hanwell Clock Tower, Ealing Council: Hanwell Clock Tower conservation area appraisal (PDF). Last checked 24 Oct 2026.