:: WELCOME to IPOH :: Part 8 ::

Birch Memorial Clock Tower, Ipoh

Standing in front of the Ipoh State Mosque, the square tower comprises a portrait bust and four panels illustrating the growth of civilisation.

Unveiled in 1909, the Birch Memorial, a square decorated tower with a portrait bust and four panels illustrative of the growth of civilisation was erected on the table-land at a cost of about $25,000.

A dedication to J.W.W.Birch, the first British Resident of Perak, is found beneath the bronze bust of Birch in the north-facing niche.

The clock tower has one mother bell, 6 ft 6 in. in diameter and weighing 10 cwt., and four smaller bells weighing together 10 cwt., which used to strike the chimes of Big Ben.  

At the corners of the belfry, mounted on pedestals, are terracotta figures, representing the four "Virtues of British Administration" - Loyalty, with sword and shield, Justice, blind and carrying a sword and a pair of scales, Patience, unarmed, and Fortitude, with a calm face and bearing a spear.

On the civilisation panel, 44 famous figures in world history were portrayed.  The image of the last Prophet facing the mosque was painted over in the 1990s due to objection from Muslims to the depiction of the Prophet.

On top of that, a famous Nasi Kandar Restaurant located in this area.. I personally Recommend you to give it a try.. The restaurant open daily during lunch time only.