Susteren's clock

A Susteren's clock and its history.
This 16th-century bell comes from the former Stift complex and presumably served as an emergency bell there, hanging in the Brugpoort.
When the Stiftcomplex fell into disrepair at the end of the 18th century, the clock was moved to the roof of the old council house. From the belfry, the tolling bell not only warned the population in the event of fire or danger, but also mobilized the fire brigade and the militia. For example, it was iconic in Susteren for about 150 years.
With the destruction of the old town hall in WWII, the clock also lost its function.
In 1945 it was lent to the pastor of Schalbruch, and later to the Sisters of Millen.
In 1965 it came back to Susteren, where it led to a hidden existence in the attic of the current town hall.
In September 1988, the nearly 5 centuries old bell was replaced with a copy of the old bell chair, restoring contact with the people of Susteren.