The clock tower at the Houses of Parliament, which houses Big Ben, starts keeping time.
Big Ben is one of the most iconic landmarks in London, England. However, many people mistakenly refer to the entire clock tower as Big Ben, when in fact, Big Ben refers specifically to the bell housed within the tower. The tower itself is officially known as the Elizabeth Tower, named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.
Location: The Elizabeth Tower, housing Big Ben, is situated at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, which is the home of the UK Parliament. It stands on the bank of the River Thames and is a prominent symbol of the city of London.
History: The tower was completed in 1859 and was designed by architects Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin in a Gothic Revival style. The Great Bell, which is commonly known as Big Ben, was cast in 1858 by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry.
Big Ben: Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock, which weighs over 13.5 tons. It is named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works during the time of its installation. The bell’s chime is instantly recognizable and has become an iconic sound associated with London.
Clock: The clock face of the Elizabeth Tower is the largest four-faced chiming clock in the world. Each face has a diameter of about 23 feet (7 meters). The clock mechanism is renowned for its accuracy and is regularly adjusted to maintain precise timekeeping.
Dimensions: The Elizabeth Tower stands at a height of 315 feet (96 meters) and has 11 floors. Visitors can climb the tower’s 334 limestone steps to reach the belfry and enjoy panoramic views of London from the top. However, please note that access to the tower might be restricted at times due to maintenance or security reasons.
Renovations: In recent years, the Elizabeth Tower has undergone significant renovation work. The project, which started in 2017, involves the restoration of the tower’s stonework, as well as the refurbishment of the clock and the Great Bell. The renovation is aimed at preserving the historic structure for future generations