Big Brum, Clock tower in Birmingham city centre, England
Big Brum is a Victorian clock tower that rises above the Council House, featuring four clock faces and a three-ton bell that marks time across the city center. The structure contains five internal levels accessible by 159 steps, with the clock mechanism located on the second floor and the bells positioned in the roof space.
The tower was built in 1885 during the first expansion of the Council House, designed by architect Yeoville Thomason. The clock mechanism was installed by Gillett & Co. and has marked time in the city ever since.
The name 'Big Brum' is rooted in local identity, as 'Brum' represents Birmingham in the regional dialect, drawing a parallel to London's Big Ben. Visitors hear this name everywhere in the city and understand it reflects the connection between residents and their home.
The tower offers access for visitors who wish to climb the steps and view the internal construction. It is advisable to wear sturdy footwear as the internal spaces are narrow and steep in places.
The tower's apex houses a steel and glass observation post that was added during World War II to monitor fires caused by air raids across the city. This historic detail often goes unnoticed by visitors exploring the structure.
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