Obsolete parts from the clock at Sessions House were handed over to the National Museum of Bermuda for preservation and possible display.

The components were removed from the timepiece when its mechanism became electric.

Elena Strong, the museum’s executive director, explained that Bermuda has five historic turret clocks ranging from the late 1700s to 1924.

She said: “These public clocks played an important timekeeping role in local society, as before the middle of the 20th century, many people did not own clocks or watches.

“The Sessions House clock was made in 1862 by Gillett & Johnston, a clockmaker in Croydon, Greater London.

“It is similar in design, albeit much smaller, to that of the famous London attraction Big Ben.

“The clock was converted to electrical drive several decades ago and now, thanks to the Government, the historic components that were removed for electrical mechanisation are at the museum for conservation and preservation.”

It was thought the historic parts could go on display at the museum alongside the original Dockyard clock, which dates back to 1856.

Ms Strong said the island’s other turret clocks included the Whitney Institute clock, from the late 1700s, the St Peter’s Church clock, dated 1814, and the Manchester Unity Hall clock, from 1924.

A ministry of public works spokeswoman explained that the Sessions House clock parts no longer worked and due to the “age and historical nature of the mechanisms, it was agreed the National Museum of Bermuda could take possession of the old parts”.

The existing timepiece at the parliamentary building has been out of order since at least April.

The spokeswoman said last week: “The ministry undertook to extensively clean the Sessions House clock mechanisms and surrounding areas and will now begin the process of assessing the clock to source new specialised replacement parts.

“The ministry is also in the process of sourcing a qualified individual to make the repairs, as it is a unique task.

“Again, the ministry regrets any inconvenience caused to the public due to the inoperability of the Sessions House clock.”