As summer approaches, more towns and cities are looking to longstanding architecture on government and other historical structures to see what needs to be fixed after being hit with nasty weather, especially in the Northeast U.S. and parts of Great Britain. Across the pond, many towns are refinishing and adding support to historical buildings and architectural elements. One story out of Fordingshire, England, is especially interesting, just judging by how involved the mayor of the town was in the reconstruction.

According to the Salisbury Journal, the town’s historic clock tower has had a troubled history that included some petty thievery:

“The old clock had to be replaced after 60 years in 2009 when it was discovered it was in a dangerous condition, having become worn over time. Then just as the new clock was nearly finished, thieves broke into the coppersmith’s workshop in Dorchester and stole the expensive metal from the steeple. The council has spent about £55,000 from its reserves to have the landmark restored in solid oak by conservationists from New Forest district council, clock specialists Smiths of Derby and Michael Castle Builders.”

This town landmark has been sorely missed by residents, the article says. The element of the tower – a finial – that was stolen was put back into place by Fordingshire’s mayor. It had been 18 months since the clock had been fully in place. It is especially important that the tower was restored, especially because of its storied past:

“The Town Hall with the original tower with a tall thin spire was built in 1877 and was replaced during the Second World War. The replacement is built to the specifications of the second tower, but this time it will have a lightening conductor.”

I’m sure that you will be seeing and reading about even more restorations as the summer continues, so keep your eyes open for new finials and cupolas!