Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower |
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|---|---|
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| Record height | |
| Tallest in Birmingham from 1908 to 1965 | |
| Preceded by | St Martin in the Bull Ring |
| Surpassed by | BT Tower |
| General information | |
| Status | Listed Grade II |
| Type | Campanile |
| Location | University of Birmingham |
| Town or city | Birmingham |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 52°27′00″N 1°55′51″W / 52.4499°N 1.9307°W |
| Construction started | 1900 |
| Completed | 1908 |
The Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower, often called Old Joe, is a famous clock tower at the University of Birmingham in England. It's known for being the tallest freestanding clock tower in the world. This means it stands on its own, not as part of another building.
Old Joe is about 110 metres (361 ft) (361 feet) tall. That's taller than many famous buildings! It's a really important landmark for the university and the city of Birmingham.
What is Old Joe?
Old Joe is a type of building called a campanile. A campanile is a bell tower, usually built next to a church or, in this case, a university. It holds bells and often has a clock.
The tower was named after Joseph Chamberlain, a very important British politician. He helped create the University of Birmingham. The tower was built to remember his work and contributions.
When Was Old Joe Built?
Construction on Old Joe started in 1900. It took eight years to build, finally finishing in 1908. When it was completed, it became the tallest building in Birmingham. It held this record until 1965.
Why is Old Joe Important?
Old Joe is more than just a clock tower. It's a symbol of the University of Birmingham. It represents the university's history and its connection to Joseph Chamberlain. Many students and visitors love to see and photograph this impressive tower.
It's also a great example of early 20th-century architecture. The design was inspired by the famous St. Mark's Campanile in Venice, Italy.
Images for kids
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View from the tower, looking west, towards the Queen Elizabeth Hospital
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Another image of Old Joe
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Original design for Old Joe as inspired by St. Mark's Campanile, Venice.
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Interior view looking down from the 8th floor
