Birch Memorial Clock Tower, British colonial clock tower in Old Town, Ipoh, Malaysia

The Birch Memorial Clock Tower is a four-sided clock tower in Old Town Ipoh with white walls and four statues representing virtues on its structure. Each side of the tower displays detailed panels depicting milestones of human civilization and development through different eras.

The tower was built in 1909 to honor James W. W. Birch, the first British Resident of Perak who was killed in 1875 by local Malay chiefs. His death marked a turning point in the relationship between colonial officials and local leaders.

The tower displays panels created by Doulton and Co. of London, showing human development through different periods and cultures. These visual narratives are carved and crafted into the stone and ceramic surfaces for all to see.

The tower stands on a square in Old Town Ipoh, set behind a low white colonnaded building, so the best view of the clock face and the four virtue statues is from the open square rather than the street edge. Walk around all four sides to read the civilization panels, which face north, west, south and east.

The tower originally held a bronze portrait bust of J. W. W. Birch in a niche; it has since been removed. On Panel C, the depiction of Muhammad was taken out on 15 July 1958 because Islam prohibits visual depictions of the Prophet. The four bells were supplied by Messrs. Gillet and Johnson of Croydon.