Hall of Memory Birmingham, Birmingham

The Hall of Memory in Birmingham stands as a poignant war memorial located in Centenary Square. It was designed by architects S. N. Cooke and W. N. Twist and built between 1922 and 1925 by John Barnsley and Son. The memorial honors the 12,320 Birmingham citizens who perished during World War I.

Constructed over a filled-in canal basin formerly known as Gibson's Arm, the Hall of Memory was envisioned as part of a larger civic project aimed at enhancing the area with new council offices, the mayor's residence, a public library, and a concert hall. However, the outbreak of World War II halted these plans, leaving only part of the Baskerville House completed.

The memorial is made from Portland stone sourced from the Isle of Portland in Dorset. Its foundation stone was laid by the Prince of Wales on June 12, 1923, and it was officially opened by Prince Arthur of Connaught on July 4, 1925, before an assembly of 30,000 people.

Surrounding the exterior of the Hall are four statues crafted by local artist Albert Toft, symbolizing the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Women's Services. Inside, the Hall features three bas-relief plaques measuring 155 cm by 223 cm, created by William Bloye. These plaques depict three scenes: Call (the departure to war), Front Line (the combat), and Return (the homecoming of the wounded). Additionally, a roll of honor illustrated by Sidney Meteyard is displayed, honoring those who served.

The Hall of Memory was upgraded to a Grade I listed building on October 27, 2014, recognizing its significant historical and architectural value.