THIS WEEK IN 1996: Time to march on for 200-year-old clock

But as the sound of marching marines became a more faint memory and the buildings were rejuvenated, the historic clock was brought up to date.

And by the end of 1996 the clock '“ whose hands had been still since 1990 when a halt was called to the regular winding '“ should have been telling the time once again.

A new quartz movement, which would maintain its accuracy via a link to BBC Radio Four and the Greenwich time signal, was to be installed later in the year.

And the existing four faces of the clock were to be refurbished and returned to their former glory.

The whole project was expected to cost £10,000.

The historic old workings and bell were carefully dismantled and were expected to be displayed at Storehouse 10 in the historic dockyard.

The move came as part of the redevelopment of the barracks into flats and homes. 

The tower itself was due to be converted into flats.