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 monument stands in front of the Ipoh State Mosque in a central location where you can view it from different angles. The structure is accessible from the street and easily recognizable by its white color and prominent position in the area.
The road where the tower stands bears the name of one of Birch's assassins, showing how Malaysia has reframed its historical perspective. This naming choice reflects a shift in how the nation views and commemorates its past.
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