Chennai's century-old Freestanding Doveton clock tower still keep good time

Doveton Clock Tower - Close-up View

Doveton Clock Tower & Park

Doveton Clock Tower, at the junction of Jermiah Road, Purasawalkam High Road, Ritherdon Road and Perambur Barracks Road,  is the most popular freestanding clock tower specifically built with four clock faces. This was the first clock tower erected by the British rulers at the prominent point in Purasawalkam in the early 1900s. Before the installation of the tower, the colonial officers at Fort St. George followed the practice of firing the cannon balls at 08.00 p.m every day. In Purasawalkam this century old imposing clock tower with turret clock mechanism is a prominent land mark.

The square shaped tower was built in distinct ‘art deco’ style with locally available materials. The tower has four porches on all its four sides. Recently the Chennai Corporation gave a face lift to this clock tower. The tower has got white paint quote. The surrounding park is also being maintained regularly. The vibrant junction is close to the clock tower and surrounded by important restaurants, markets, churches and temples. The recent Doveton flyover passing across this tower is an added attraction.  

Presently the Chennai city has four free standing clock towers located at four vantage points in Doveton, Mint, Royapettah, and Pulianthope.