Wills Memorial Building
The Wills Memorial Building is the University of Bristol's neo-Gothic tower at the top of Park Street, opened in 1925. On Saturday guided tours you can see the Great Hall, Council Chamber and libraries, then climb roughly 350 steps up the tower for views across Bristol.
Photos
Freak Circus
A tobacco family's memorial
Designed by Sir George Oatley, the building was commissioned by George Alfred and Henry Herbert Wills of the W. D. & H. O. Wills tobacco firm in memory of their father. Work began in 1915, paused during the First World War and finished in 1925, when King George V and Queen Mary opened it. It was badly damaged in the 1940 Blitz and is Grade II* listed. The tower rises about 65 metres, and its belfry holds Great George, a bell of over nine tonnes that strikes the hour.
Taking the tower tour
Tours last 60 to 90 minutes and run on Saturday mornings and early afternoons, with group and evening tours by arrangement. There is no lift, so you need to be comfortable with around 350 steps. Payment is by cash or online on the day; cards are not taken at the door. Children must be closely supervised.
Making a morning of it
The building still houses the Law School and School of Earth Sciences, so outside tour times you will mostly admire it from the street. Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is next door, and Cabot Tower on Brandon Hill is a short walk away if you want a second viewpoint.
Highlights
- Opened by King George V in 1925
- Tower about 65 metres high, Grade II* listed
- Around 350 steps to the top, no lift
- Great George bell strikes the hour
Good to know
- Book by phone or email on weekdays; tours run on Saturdays.
- Cash or online payment only; cards not accepted.
- Stairs only, so the tower is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: bristol.ac.uk · en.wikipedia.org