The Albert Memorial Clock is one of Belfast’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Standing proudly in Queen’s Square, this striking clock tower is not only an impressive piece of architecture but also a significant part of Belfast’s history. Built in 1869 in memory of Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, the tower showcases beautiful Gothic and Victorian design elements that make it a unique and eye-catching structure.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Albert Memorial Clock is its lean. Due to being built on reclaimed marshland near the River Lagan, the tower has developed a slight tilt over the years, earning it the nickname “Belfast’s Leaning Tower.” While it isn’t as dramatic as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it’s still a fascinating feature that adds to its charm and character.
The detailing on the tower is stunning, with intricate stone carvings, a statue of Prince Albert himself, and an impressive clock face that dominates the skyline. It’s especially beautiful at night when it’s illuminated, giving it a grand and elegant presence in the city center.
Surrounded by bustling streets, shops, and restaurants, the Albert Clock is a great place to stop and take in the history of Belfast. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply exploring the city, this landmark is definitely...
Read moreOne of Belfast's best known landmarks, the Albert Memorial Clock does look a lot like the famous clock tower in London. What's that one called? Stig Bun? Large Leonard? Major Mark? Oh, right. That's Big Ben and this is Big Al.
Constructed between 1865 and 1869, the Albert Memorial Clock stands at Queen's Square and is 113 feet tall. It keeps accurate time but you might notice that it has a bit of a lean. It turns out that the Irish engineers back in the 1860's built it on some rather marshy ground and set it on wooden piers. Over 150 years, it's starting to be a bit tipsy. Not "Leaning Tower of Pisa" leaning but it is four feet off from being straight. This gave rise to the expression that the tower "has the time and the inclination."
All this makes it unique and interesting and you absolutely can't miss it along the Belfast docks. (And no, it's not a Red Light District. This is a nice...
Read moreOne of Belfast's best known Landmarks, this clock tower is a monument to the memory of Prince Albert; Queen Victoria's late Prince Consort.
This clock tower also has another feature similar to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it leans. It has a lean of 1.25 metres to the vertical caused by building the clock tower on marsh land with wooden piles. The resulting subsidence is therefore translated in the clock tower leaning!
The clock tower is constructed in a Gothic architectural style, and is decorated with floral decorations, ornately carved crowned lions, angels and gargoyles. It stands proudly at 35 metres high. Construction on the clock towerer started in 1865 and completed in 1869. The cost of the project was £2,500, and was raised by public subscription.
If you are in Belfast, the Albert Memorial Clock is well...
Read more