A historic clock has been moved for the first time in a century.

The timepiece at Dover Town Hall has temporarily been taken away for restoration as part of the wider £10.5 million restoration of the building.

It was carefully removed from the Grade I-listed Maison Dieu this month for the first time since 1902 and transported to specialist clockmakers and conservators, Smith of Derby.

The restoration will see the clock repaired to full working order, including fixing the lighting so that it can be seen day and night.

The Maison Dieu tower clock was made in 1883 by E Dent & Co, one of the most famous Victorian clockmakers.

The current restoration of the Grade I-listed building will see the Maison Dieu permanently open to the public from 2025 for the first time in its 800-year history.

Cllr Charlotte Zosseder, Dover District Council cabinet member for community and corporate property, said: “This is the next exciting step in the reawakening of this amazing building. We’re looking forward to its return so that it can continue its history as Dover’s most famous clock!”

The overall restoration of the Maison Dieu will include a new street-level visitor entrance to the Connaught Hall, along with improved access throughout the building.

It will bring redundant spaces back into commercial use, including restoring the Mayor’s Parlour as a holiday let in conjunction with The Landmark Trust, and new café in the space once occupied by Victorian gaol cells.