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History panels installed at clocktower





One panel describes the Speenhamland system, a system of poor relief for the whole country, which was decided on by magistrates in 1795 at the site of the former George and Pelican pub.
A second explains Newbury's role, and in particular the area of the The Broadway, as a stop in the coach journey between London and Bath, made almost obsolete by Isambard Kingdom Brunel's decision to site the Great Western Railway through Didcot.
The third panel tells the history of the Clock House itself.
They were the inspiration of the late councillor Gina Houghton, who died in 2010.
The panels were formally unveiled by the Mayor of Newbury, Anthony Pick, together with Jeremy Holden-Bell, of the Newbury Society, which helped cover the cost of the panels.
They were created as a collaboration between Newbury Town Council and local firm Crescent Signs.
To complete the clocktower refurbishment project, traditional direction signs will be painted on the barge boards around the monument early in the new year and the oak door will be refurbished.
Mr Pick said: "I am delighted that the very significant role of Speenhamland in the history of Newbury and the country at large is being recognised and described through these interpretation panels."
The leader of the council, Julian Swift-Hook, said: "After many years of work, it's it's so good to see the vision of our former colleague Gina Houghton become a reality at last.
"Gina was committed to exploring and recording Newbury's heritage, and this is another wonderful legacy of her work as a town councillor."



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