Big Brum

Big Brum is the local name for the clock tower on the Council House, Birmingham, England. Built in 1885, the clock tower is part of the first extension to the original Council House of 1879 and stands above the Museum & Art Gallery. The clock tower, Museum & Art Gallery and Council House were designed by architect Yeoville Thomason and form a single block. The clock was donated by Follett Osler, a local pioneer in the measurement of meteorological and chronological data.^[1] The clock mechanism was supplied by Gillett & Co. of Croydon, and the clock-tower and lofty entrance portico were considered the "most conspicuous features" of the exterior upon opening.^[2]

The clock tower above the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

As Brum is the local term for the city (with the local accent and demonym both being called 'Brummie'), and as an allusion to the popular name of the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster, which houses the bell Big Ben, the name 'Big Brum' can refer to either the clock, the tower, or the bell. The Birmingham clock tower bell also rings with the Westminster Chimes.

Throughout the Second World War, it was used by the Home Guard as a watchtower. During the Blitz it was possible to see Coventry burning from this position.^[3]