Discover the Old Joe Clock Tower in Birmingham
Standing as the world’s tallest free-standing clock tower, Old Joe isn’t your average campus ornament. With reported heights ranging from 99 to 110 metres (depending on who you ask), this iconic campanile is more than just a timekeeper—it has its own range of superstitions, as shared by locals and students, and countless other interesting facts and quirks. Some say that walking under it as it chimes might jinx your exams, while graduates proudly parade beneath it after their big day. Either way, the Old Joe Clock Tower in Chancellor’s Court at the University of Birmingham, has come to be a beloved aspect of the city.
What’s in a Name? The Story Behind "Old Joe"
Ever wonder why it’s called Old Joe?
Originally known as the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower, it proudly commemorates Joseph Chamberlain, the University’s first Chancellor who also made great efforts to rejuvenate the city. Over time, however, affectionate nicknames like “Old Joe” and even “Big Joe” have taken root, endearing the tower to generations of students and alumni.
History of the Old Joe Clock Tower
Old Joe was built between 1900 and 1908 as part of the ambitious initial phase of the Edgbaston campus. Its construction was funded by a generous (and initially anonymous) donation from Sir Charles Holcroft.
The tower’s name aimed to honour Joseph Chamberlain, but there were talks at one time of it being named the "Poynting Tower," after one of the University’s early teachers, Professor John Henry Poynting. Despite these discussions, it was Chamberlain’s unwavering influence that snagged him the honour.
Designing the Old Joe Clock Tower
Conceived by acclaimed architects Aston Webb and Ingress Bell, Old Joe’s design nods to European campaniles. Initially influenced by the elegant St Mark's Campanile in Venice, the final design drew inspiration from Italy’s Torre del Mangia in Siena, with the clock positioned lower than usual to make it unique.
Here’s a look at some of Old Joe’s other unique features and design elements:
- Rock-Solid Foundation: The base is built of robust concrete, roughly 50 feet square and 10 feet thick, with foundations that stretch deep below ground (up to 100 metres) to keep this giant steady.
- One of a Kind: Constructed without scaffolding up to the balcony, Old Joe’s completion was an extraordinary feat in the early 20th century.
- Mighty Clock Face: With a dial spanning over 17 feet, the clock is as impressive as it is functional. The hands, crafted from sheet copper, and the 15-foot-long pendulum add to its grand scale.
- Heavyweight Bells: The largest bell tips the scales at over 13,600 pounds, with all the bells together weighing around 20 tonnes. Their resounding chimes have been tracking time for over a century.
- Unique Interior: With ten floors and a quirky green lift (capable of carrying up to four people), Old Joe was built from the inside out—an extraordinary construction method that required later touch-ups in 1914, 1957, and again in the mid-1980s.
- Built to Last: Constructed with Red Accrington brick and adorned with Darley Dale dressings, the tower’s tapered design not only looks impressive but also resists Birmingham’s blustery winds.
Beyond its impressive architecture, the tower has some playful modern touches too. For instance, its clock face can change colour on special occasions (such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month). And during World War II, its lofty perch even played a role in early radar experiments, proving that Old Joe isn’t just a towering landmark but a part of technological history as well.
Fun Facts About Old Joe
Over the years, the Old Joe clock tower has become central to local lore and student superstition. Here are some fun facts and legends that make Old Joe so much more than a static city monument:
- Superstition: Rumour has it that if you stroll underneath Old Joe as it chimes, you might just jinx your exams or even your degree! Graduates often parade under its shadow in a celebratory (or perhaps cheeky) nod to this campus myth.
- A Nest with a View: Every spring, a pair of peregrine falcons return to make their home at the very top of the tower.
- Out of This World: There’s even an asteroid—Asteroid 10515—named after Old Joe, linking this Birmingham icon to the vast reaches of space.
- Working Wonders: Beyond its role as a clock tower, Old Joe functions as a working water tower as well.
- Modern-Day Persona: Bringing this old timepiece into the modern world, Old Joe even has his own Twitter account! It seems that even century-old landmarks know how to keep up with the times.
- Size Matters: Legend has it that a double-decker bus could fit through each of Old Joe’s clock faces. While no one’s tried (or probably should try) to test that theory, it’s a fun reminder of the tower’s sheer scale.
- Inspiration in Fiction: Adding another layer of mystery, there are whispers that Old Joe might have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s depiction of Orthanc in The Lord of the Rings.
Explore Beyond the Old Joe Clock Tower with CityDays
While Old Joe is a highlight in its own right, Birmingham has so much more to offer.
Why not take your adventure to the next level with a CityDays scavenger or treasure hunt?
Perfect for corporate team-building, family outings, quirky date ideas, or just a fun day out with friends, there's no better way to connect, learn, and play.
CityDays tours aren't just limited to Birmingham—we operate across the globe, bringing excitement and discovery to cities worldwide.
