A PURBECK landmark moved brick-by-brick away from a perilous cliff edge has been named one of the world’s finest architectural achievements.

The Clavell Tower, which stood high on the cliffs above Kimmeridge, was painstakingly moved 85ft back from the eroding edge to prevent it falling into the bay. The work, which took two years to complete, will preserve the Grade II listed for at least another century.

The ingenuity of the operation has received prestigious recognition from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which handed the tower its conservation award for 2009.

The 40ft tower not only beat competition from British entries, but also schemes around the world.

Simon Pott, chairman of the RICS Awards national judges, said: “The attention to detail in every aspect of the tower shines through, with careful planning, craftsmanship and materials combining to ensure the future of this important landmark.”

The remarkable project, which cost in the region of £1 million, involved moving 16,272 bricks and was largely funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Originally built as an observatory and folly by Rev John Richards Clavell in 1830, the tower was said to have been used by Thomas Hardy to court his first love Eliza Nicholls.

The PD James novel The Black Tower is also thought to have been inspired by the building.

Though used by coastguards in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the tower fell derelict after it was gutted by fire in the 1930s.

James Gregory, RICS South West chair, said: “We could so easily have lost the tower completely.

“Instead, it has not only been saved and its future secured, but it also stands as an exemplar for conservation work.”