Norfolk War Memorial, Carillon Tower
Centennial Rededication on June 17, 2025
On June 17, 1925, over 500 Great War Veterans, bands, dignitaries and school children marched in the largest parade ever seen in the county. They joined thousands of spectators for the Carillon Tower’s service of dedication. The memorial plaques inscribed with the heroes names were unveiled by Silver Cross Mother Mrs. Emiline West of Houghton who had lost three of her sons in the war. The plaque from the Simcoe High School on the east side of the Tower was unveiled by Silver Cross Mother Mrs. Lydia Quanbury of Woodhouse who had lost two of her sons in the war.
In 1948, the plaques of the Great War were replaced with two larger bronze tablets listing both the names of those killed in 1914-1918 and those killed in the Second World War 1939-1945 – a total of 364 names. These plaques were unveiled by Silver Cross Mother Mrs. Nora Wagner of Teeterville who had lost three sons in that war. During the carillon’s 50th anniversary rededication a plaque was unveiled in honour of the 133rd Battalion whose volunteers had the distinction of serving in many of the fiercest battles of the Great War. And, in 2014, a plaque was dedicated in memory of the Afghanistan conflict and the death of Norfolk’s own Craig Blake.
The Norfolk War Memorial, Carillon Tower stands as a beacon of Remembrance. Each year hundreds pay their respects during the November 11th ceremony along with musical concerts and special gatherings in honour of Norfolk’s war dead.
“The Memorial might have been a school, or a hospital, or a community hall, or a rink, or a bridge or a score of other things useful or necessary. It is none of these things, because it is not built for what it will bring of joy, or pleasure or benefit to those who are left, but because the Tower is in its permanency and the bells with their music will be a thing of beauty and inspiration for this and future generations to live with and recall the sacrifice of those struck down in their youth; and will stand, we trust, until time shall be no more, as a tribute of the people of Norfolk in honour of our men who were ground to dust and to ashes in the greatest conflict of all history.” (1925 Dedication Speech)
November 11, 2025 marked the 100th time citizens from Norfolk County gathered at the Carillon Tower to pay their respects to the 365 from Norfolk County who paid the supreme sacrifice in defense of Canada.
(References: Br.79 Files with history by J. Christison)
“It is hoped the purpose of this memorial will never be forgotten, and that the tower in its beauty and the bells with their music will ever recall to all who pass the sacrifice of our soldiers who left the world behind in answer to the call of duty…” (1925 Dedication Speech)
The Norfolk War Memorial, Carillon Tower is one of the most iconic structures in the region. It was built through public sponsorship in honour of the men and one woman from Norfolk who lost their lives during the Great War of 1914-1918.
With its 23 bells, the tower stands 60 feet tall and is Canada’s first Carillon War Memorial, having been completed in 1925. The largest bell, weighing 1,568 pounds, was cast with a special inscription in memory of all who died for freedom.
Following the end of the Great War, the citizens of Norfolk rallied to establish an official memorial. A committee was formed through the Great War Veterans’ Association, a forerunner to the Simcoe Royal Canadian Legion, and was given full authority to raise funds, decide on the type of memorial, and secure a location. Two designs were debated – a bridge archway and a carillon tower. By the end of 1921, it had been decided that a carillon with a four-faced clock would make the most fitting of memorials.
The land for the tower was gifted by the school board in memory of the Simcoe High School students killed in the war. A county-wide campaign to raise the required funds was launched with community groups, businesses, and individuals young and old donating to the cause. When construction costs exceeded the original budget, the community, with overwhelming support, pledged to cover all expenses.
The world-famous Gillett & Johnston foundry of Croydon, England was commissioned to cast the carillon bells. When Norfolk’s bells were completed, they were first installed at the British Empire Exhibition and played by the world’s most prestigious carillonneurs for visiting royals and heads of state. Following the exhibition, they were shipped to Simcoe just in time for installation.
