From The Bristol Slave Trade Walk:
"The Wills Memorial Building was given to the University of Bristol by Sir George A Wills and Mr Henry Herbert Wills,
in honour of their father, Henry Overton Wills (1828-1911), benefactor and first Chancellor of the University.
It was designed in 1912 by Sir George Oatley, in the Gothic style, and sited in an impressive position at the top of Park Street.
Its 215ft-high tower, with the octagonal belfry, is one of Bristol's most prominent landmarks.
"Construction of the Wills Memorial Building began in 1914, but was interrupted by World War I.
Work resumed in 1919, and the building was eventually completed in 1925; the opening ceremony was attended by George V.
"Several different building stones were used in the construction.
The fine details of the carving were the result of the collaboration between Sir George Oatley and Jean Hahn
(of the King's Heath Guild, in Birmingham), although several local stonemasons
carried out work under their direction.
"The building was originally designed to provide about 50 rooms in addition to the magnificent Entrance Hall,
Great Hall, General Library, Reception Room and Council Chamber; a later extension added more rooms and increased the size of the library.
The building currently houses the Faculty of Law, and the Department of Geology."