A COLCHESTER stalwart has suggested a replica of a Victorian-era clock should be installed on an historic building after seeing a 140-year-old photo of Colchester.

Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell has been loaned a stunning image of the General Post Office in Head Street by Nora Buckingham, who lives at Balkerne Gardens.

The photo of the General Post Office in Head Street was taken to mark the Golden Jubilee on June 20, 1883, of Queen Victoria.

It is now the entrance to the Odeon Cinema.

When built a few years earlier it was the tallest building in Colchester and remains one of the tallest buildings in the city.

Gazette: Historic - a picture of the now-Odeon building, which was a post office back in 1883Historic - a picture of the now-Odeon building, which was a post office back in 1883 (Image: Nora Buckingham)

In the photo, a clock can be seen on the front of the building.

Sir Bob said: “It would be nice if a replica clock could be installed.

“I have no recollection of the Victorian clock, but it was obviously an important feature of the GPO building and I think it would be a welcome addition to the street scene if a replacement clock could be fitted.

“The masonry surround is still there.”

Fifty years after this photograph was taken a “new” Post Office was built next door in place of Chambers jewellers and other buildings.

The 1930s GPO is also now part of the Odeon Cinema.

The Odeon moved into the building which had been kitted out for cinema use in 2002 after the old cinema in Crouch Street closed.