Hall of Memory, Birmingham, War memorial in Centenary Square, Birmingham, England
The Hall of Memory is an octagonal structure with a domed roof and four bronze statues on its exterior walls representing military services. The building contains glass cases holding Books of Remembrance that record the names of those from Birmingham who died in World War I.
The foundation stone was laid in 1923 by the Prince of Wales, and the building officially opened in 1925 by Prince Arthur of Connaught. Its construction followed after World War I as part of Birmingham's effort to honor those who had died in the conflict.
The three carved relief panels inside show soldiers departing for war, fighting in trenches, and returning with injuries. These scenes tell the story of what people experienced during the conflict in a way visitors can see and understand.
The building is easy to find and located in Centenary Square with clear visibility. Plan to spend time reading and looking through the Books of Remembrance, which organize names in an order that makes browsing possible.
The structure sits on a filled-in canal basin called Gibson's Arm, showing how the city transformed old waterway areas for new purposes. The building uses Portland limestone from quarries on the Isle of Portland, giving it a distinctive pale stone appearance.
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