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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Keith Scobie-Youngs, a distinguished horologist and conservation specialist, and founder of the Cumbria Clock Company. With decades of experience working on some of the UK’s most significant historic clocks, Keith shares insights from his career, including the monumental task of restoring the Great Clock of Westminster, commonly known as Big Ben.

This engaging conversation explores Keith’s early fascination with clocks, growing up in Fairford, and the formative experiences that led him into the world of horology. He reflects on his journey into conservation, the skills required to work on historic mechanisms, and the responsibility that comes with preserving nationally significant timepieces.

The discussion further examines the intricate and highly technical process of clock restoration, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs involved in working on Big Ben. Keith also shares his philosophy on craftsmanship, longevity, and the importance of maintaining traditional skills in an increasingly modern world.

This insightful episode is filled with expert knowledge and inspiring perspectives on heritage conservation and the art of timekeeping. Tune in next time for another deep dive into the people and practices shaping our built heritage.

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Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps

Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section

00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Keith Scobie-Youngs

01:21 Keith's Early Life and Introduction to Clocks

02:13 First Steps in Horology

05:20 Transition to London and Early Career

12:12 Founding the Cumbria Clock Company

23:34 Challenges and Growth of the Business

30:31 Innovations and Product Development

40:45 Restoring Big Ben: The Ultimate Challenge

51:28 Team Effort and Project Management

51:40 Pricing and Contractual Challenges

54:08 Historical Overhauls and Repairs

55:39 Major Breakdowns and Repairs

57:25 Clock Mechanism Removal and Discoveries

59:42 Dimensions and Weight of Clock Hands

01:03:34 Workshop Challenges and Electric Winding System

01:09:49 Restoration and Testing of the Clock

01:16:21 Tolling the Bell for the Queen

01:27:53 Industry Insights and Future Prospects

01:36:00 Final Reflections and Contact Information

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Connect with Keith Scobie-Youngs and learn more:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-scobie-youngs-fbhi-acr-63340a15/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cumbriaclockco/

Website: https://clockmaker.co.uk/

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Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:

https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

Join the conversation:

https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual

#Horology #BigBen #HistoricClocks