The Bexleyheath Coronation Memorial Clock Tower, commemorated the coronation of King George V.
It was formally opened on Bexleyheath Gala Day, 17 July 1912.
Designed by Walter Epps, the Clock Tower was intended to stand 'as a memorial to the enterprise and loyalty of the inhabitants of Bexleyheath' and it was thought that the Clock Tower 'would be the beginnings of better things to come in Bexleyheath'.
At the opening ceremony a 'temporary' bust of King George V was unveiled. The architect, Epps, ended his speech with, 'I hope to see all the niches filled with busts of members of the Royal Family'.
They weren't.
During the 1930s the bust of King George disintegrated and then completely fell apart a decade later.
It was recast by John Ravera, President of the Royal Society of British Sculptors, and re-installed in its niche.
