This prominent landmark known locally as 'Old Joe' was built to commemorate Joseph Chamberlain. It is a Grade II listed building and can be seen for miles around.
The
tower is based on the Torre del Mangia tower in Sienna in Italy and was
designed by Aston Webb and Ingress Bell, two London based architects
who designed the construction of the tower which was completed in
1908.
The
tower is made of red brick and was built from the inside out without
scaffolding. The pointing of the brickwork took place after the tower
was built in 1914. It has been re-pointed twice since.
This was once the tallest building in Birmingham until BT Tower
was completed. It is 110 metres high. It has a base of solid concrete
which rests on bed rock, the tower bells weigh some 20 tons.
Students
and visitors were at one time able to access the tower which has a
single ( electric powered ) lift shaft running up the centre of the
building. Unfortunately access was restricted after a suicide.
The
clock was built by Joyce of Whitchurch and the clock face measures 5.25
metres across. The clock hands are made from sheet copper.
At the base of the tower and carved in stone are the words:
This
tower commemorates the founding of the university through the
initiative and active encouragement of its first chancellor the Right
Honourable Joseph Chamberlain.
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