History of Camacha Clock Tower
Camacha was popular with the British expatriate merchants who once held great influence over Madeira's economic prosperity.
One such expatriate was Dr. Michael Grabham who owned an extensive estate in the parish of Camacha. This estate was appropriately known as the Quinta Camacha.
Near to the boundary of his land, Dr. Grabham decided to build a tower which was to house a clock. This clock, he ordained, was to be of exceptional quality and should be the most accurate timepiece on the island.
The clock tower and bell that you can now see as the central feature of the O Relógio building in Camacha village is actually Dr Grabham's original clock tower. Of course, the tower has been extensively added to by the surrounding buildings, but the central tower structure remains essentially as it was when first built.
The clock and bell originate from the Parish Church of Wolton Near Liverpool. They were brought to Madeira in 1896 and, on Easter Sunday, 6th April of that year, the clock was officially started by Mary Anne Grabham*, Dr. Grabham's wife.
Inside the tower is a marble commemorative plaque that marks the excellent service that Dr Grabham's provided to the inhabitants of the parish of Camacha.
* Footnote: Mary Grabham was the daughter of Mary Anne Blandy - whose surname you may recognise as belonging to another British family that was responsible for a far more important slice of Madeira's heritage. Mary Blandy married Dr Michael Grabham in 1865.
Dr Michael Grabham
Michael Comport Grabham was born in Essex, England on Thursday, 9th January 1840.
He qualified as a medical doctor and, after a short stint at St. Thomas' Hospital in London, travelled to Madeira in 1861.
Dr Grabham received his degree in Medicine and Surgery from Aberdeen University in 1867. Later, he was admitted into the Royal College of Physicians of London on 30th January 1868.
As well as being a medical practitioner, Dr Grabham was a resourceful individual with many interests - most of which he excelled in.
Dr Grabham was an accomplished musician and the organ in the Se Cathedral in Funchal was donated by his son, also Dr. Michael Grabham.
Having married into the Blandy family it is not surprising to learn that Dr Grabham possessed a considerable Madeira Wine collection. He was also an avid collector of watches and clocks and an intermittent author.
Dr Grabham showed a great interest in Madeira's flora and fauna and paid particular attention to the marine biology in the immediate vicinity of his adopted island. He was known to have assisted Kew Gardens with samples sent from Madeira.
Dr Grabham died in Madeira on Monday, 28th January 1935, aged 95.
Quinta Camacha
The Quinta Camacha and the estate lands upon which the clock tower was built were sold by the Grabham family in 1910.
The quinta housed refugees during World War II and later became a hotel.
Today, the quinta is abandoned and in a state of complete disrepair.
Directions
Getting to Camacha from Funchal is relatively easy. For detailed directions see our Camacha Tourist Guide.
Madeira Features
Funchal Hospital
The Hospital Cruz de Carvalho serves Funchal and its surrounds and it is situated on the Avenida Luis de Camoes.
It operates a 24 hour Accident and Emergency Department.
So, if you are suddenly taken ill during your stay in Funchal, just get a taxi to convey you to the A&E department - but remember to take your passport and your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) with you.
Relatives and friends accompanying you are likely to be requested to wait separately. However, whenever we have had need to call on the service, we have always found it to be both efficient and professional.
Pocas do Gomes
The Pocas do Gomes rock pool is a lovely, if small, feature on the south coast.
It is situated at the extreme westward end of the seafront promenade that runs along the coast starting from the Passeio Publico do Lido.
There is a small entrance fee and lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer months.
The swimming pools themselves have been fashioned out of the natural, volcanic, lava rock pools.
During the winter months the facility is often closed.
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