The tower was originally commissioned to commemorate the local benefactor and politician John Biggs.
It replaced a small wooden police box that previously occupied the central road junction.
The statues were carved by Samuel Barfield of Leicester, chosen for their historic influence on the town’s development.
The structure serves as a point of convergence for five distinct streets: Gallowtree Gate, Humberstone Gate, Haymarket, Church Gate, and East Gates.
It has survived multiple rounds of major city center redevelopment that removed surrounding Victorian infrastructure.
The Clock Tower in Leicester is a mid-Victorian Gothic structure serving as a central meeting point and a major navigational landmark. Designed by Joseph Goddard and completed in 1868, it stands at the junction of five busy streets in the city center. The 35-foot tall monument is constructed from Ketton stone and features four statues of prominent local figures: Simon de Montfort, William Wiggeston, Sir Thomas White, and Gabriel Newton. Originally built to replace a previous structure and improve traffic flow at a chaotic intersection, it now functions primarily as a pedestrian hub. The tower is not accessible to the public for interior climbing, though its exterior serves as a frequent site for public gatherings and city events. It remains the most recognized physical reference point for residents navigating the downtown area.
From the pedestrian area on Gallowtree Gate, allowing for a wide-angle view of the tower against the backdrop of the surrounding city shops.
Use the tower as a primary meeting point if you are splitting up with a group, as it is impossible to miss.
Look up at the statues to identify the historical figures, as they are often overlooked by pedestrians rushing past.
Do not expect an interior tour or a viewing platform, as the structure is a static monument and not a visitor building.
