Merewether Clock Tower

Merewether Clock Tower or Merewether Tower^[1] is located in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.

Named for

It was raised by public subscription as a memorial for Sir William L. Merewether, who served as 'Commissioner-in-Sindh'^[1]from 1867 to 1877.

Location

It is important landmark at the confluence of I I Chundrigar Road (previously McLeod Road) and M A Jinnah Road (previously Bunder Road).

Construction and opening

Designed by James Strachan, the Municipal Engineer, the foundation stone was laid by the Governor of Bombay, Sir James Fergusson in 1884.^[1] It was formally opened to the public in 1892 by the Commissioner in Sind, Sir Evan James.^[1]

Description

The Tower stands on a base of 44 feet square and rises to a height of 102 feet.^[1]

Myths

Merewether Tower is perhaps one of the strangest landmarks in Karachi. No one is quite sure why it was built. But the most commonly circulating rumor is that it was built to honour the freemasons, which is apparent from the strange encryptions and patterns on its walls.

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e} J.W. Smyth, Gazetteer of the Province of Sind B Vol 1 Karachi District, Government Central Press, Bombay 1919. Reprinted by Pakistan Herald Publications Ltd, Karachi Pg 62

Coordinates: 24°50.936′N 66°59.845′E / 24.848933°N 66.997417°E / 24.848933; 66.997417

External links

• "Architecture: Merewether Tower, Karachi"