Birch Memorial Clock Tower: History and Architecture

Perak residents living in the Ipoh area are surely familiar with the Birch Memorial Clock Tower located near the Ipoh Town Hall. This memorial was built as a tribute to the first British Resident in Perak during the 1870s, JWW Birch, who was killed by local fighters in Pasir Salak. The construction of this memorial was inspired by the eighth British Resident, EW Birch (the son of JWW Birch), and its opening was officiated on December 8, 1909, by the High Commissioner at the time, Sir John Anderson.

This clock tower stands over 20 meters tall, showcasing Renaissance architectural style (synonymous with colonial-era construction in Malaya) and features four sides, each fitted with an analog clock. On each wall, there is a painted faience frieze depicting individuals or figures representing the progression of human civilization. The four decorative panels on each side of the tower face the four cardinal directions: Panel A faces north, Panel B faces west, Panel C faces south, and Panel D faces east. Panels A and B display individuals and figures from prehistoric times to the arrival of Christ, while Panels C and D display individuals and figures from the arrival of Christ to the 19th century (the era when this clock tower was completed).

In addition, there are four terracotta sculptures at the top of the tower, each facing outward from the corners. These decorative panels and sculptures were designed by Messrs. Doulton and Co. from London. The four statues represent four important virtues facing different directions: (1) Loyalty facing northeast, (2) Justice facing northwest, (3) Fortitude facing southwest, and (4) Patience facing southeast.

A large bell and four smaller bells were also installed at the top of the tower, supplied by Messrs. Gillet and Johnson of Croydon, who also supplied the clocks for the tower. These bells feature Westminster chimes. On the northern wall of the memorial tower, there was a recessed niche containing a small bronze portrait bust of JWW Birch, along with an explanatory plaque that is now missing and cannot be located. This bronze bust was crafted by the sculptor Hamo Thornycroft.

Currently, the memorial tower is located in the Dato’ Sagor Food Court area, across the road from the State Mosque (Masjid Sultan Idris Shah II). The address of this tower was originally Post Office Road before being updated to Jalan Dato’ Sagor. Ironically, Dato’ Sagor was one of the fighters who was captured and hanged for his involvement in the death of JWW Birch. This memorial tower has also been made part of the Ipoh Heritage Walk, which is a tourist attraction in the Ipoh area.

Besides the one in Ipoh, there was also a Birch Memorial stone built in Pasir Salak in the early 1900s, also during the time when EW Birch was the British Resident in Perak. Today, the Pasir Salak Birch Memorial stone is part of the Pasir Salak Historical Complex, where a mosque is built next to it and a monument to the warriors of Perak Darul Ridzuan stands in front of it.

The preservation of colonial-era monuments is a topic of discussion for communities worldwide, including Malaysia. Many divided views have been expressed regarding the justification for preserving such monuments. The state of Perak is one of the states with a long history shadowed by various eras. British-era monuments in Perak are one of the elements that form the background of our national history. Sources of knowledge and information from past records can, to some extent, clarify the complex and colorful folds of history. Malaysians, especially the local community, should listen to them so that they can learn the good and the bad from history, so that unpleasant events can be avoided in the future.

References:

• Newspaper scan. December 16, 1909 (page 5). Birch Memorial. Sir John Anderson Welcomed at Ipoh. Description of the Clock Tower. The Straits Budget. https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19091216-1.2.8?qt=%22clock%20tower%22,%20kangsar&q=%22Clock%20tower%22%20%2B%20Kangsar
• Newspaper scan. July 17, 1958 (page 6). Workman Obliterates Painting of Prophet. The Straits Times. https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19580717-1.2.56
• The Birch Clock Tower, A Memorial to JWW Birch, The First British Resident of Perak. https://db.ipohworld.org/view/id/1037
• A Young Man Takes A Rest With JWW Birch. https://db.ipohworld.org/view.php?type=id&id=9114
• Pasir Salak Historical Complex. https://visitperak.com.my/museums-and-art-galleries-pasir-salak-historical-complex/