In Brockwell Park, the emerald green Tritton Tower has become embedded in the memories of locals and serves as a testament to the park's history.
Brockwell Park is a green lung in South-East London, where residents come to relax and enjoy fresh air. In an ever-changing neighbourhood, the clock tower is a constant that has stood the test of time. The tower had been erected only a handful of years after the founding of the park in order to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. At the time, Brockwell Park had become a new landmark. The green area had previously served as a private residence, before being acquired by the Metropolitan Board of Works, and being formally opened to the general public in 1892. The park was unveiled by Thomas Bristowe - Norwood's MP at the time and Tritton's predecesor.
The clock tower was donated to the park in 1897 by Ernest Tritton. Tritton was Norwood's MP at the time, a constituency which encompassed the area. Therefore, among other nicknames, the clock is dubbed the 'Tritton Tower'. Tritton was a reknowed English banker and Conservative politician who served as an MP for eight years, being elected on three separate ocassions. He won his first election in a landslide, whilst standing unopposed in the following two.
However, as time went on, the monument became degraded, losing its trademark colour and no longer serving its purpose of tracking time. In consequence, a complete restoration took place in 2014. The process of restoration was aided by the Lambeth Council, the native 'Friends Of Brockwell Park' and the original clock manufacturers - Gillet & Johnston. Once again, the monument stands proud and tall, with its original purpose rekindled.
