Funds were donated by the Wrexham National Trust Association for conservation work on the eighteenth century French Boulle clock which had not worked for over 20 years.

Standing on a wall bracket, in the middle of the centre wall in the saloon at Erddig, it has been noted by many visitors that the time on the clock has been set at four O’clock. The Outsider wonders if the choice of time, which reflects the time that the house closes for the day, was a deliberate act of a member of staff keen for the working day to end.

Named after Andre Charles Boulle (1642-1732), a French furniture maker, the clock has his characteristic tortoiseshell and brass design. Altered over the years by the Yorke family, who were often keen to put their own mark on their belongings, the Boulle clock has a plate on the front, decorated with a horse-pulled chariot. Originally underneath the glass panel that covers the clock, the panel was removed by the Yorkes and placed on top.