Big Ben. Facts on the most famous clock in the world.

 

BIG BEN. FACTS ON THE MOST FAMOUS CLOCK IN THE WORLD.

Big ben is London's biggest landmark. It is a tower clock known for its accuracy and for its massive hour bell. We all know this monument, and we probably have seen it in lots of films and shows. But, how about Big Ben’s history, and how Big Ben got its name? If you want to find out more about this unique tower clock, keep reading!

ITS NAME

The tower itself is Elizabeth Tower, and it’s the huge bell inside that’s called Big Ben, which weighs over 13 tonnes. Two main stories exist about how Big Ben got its name. Many claim it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the first director of works. Others say that the bell was named for the heavyweight boxer Benjamin Caunt. Both men were nicknamed "Big Ben". It was not until 2012 that the tower was given its current name, as an honour to Queen Elizabeth on her jubilee. 

CONSTRUCTION

When the Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834, the Houses of Parliament wanted its  it new buildings to include a tower and a clock. 

The tower was designed by Augustus Pugin in a neo-Gothic style. The tower stands 96 m tall, and the climb from ground level to the belfry is 334 steps. All four nations of the UK are represented on the tower on shields featuring a rose for England, thistle for Scotland, shamrock for Northern Ireland, and leek for Wales.

Big Ben began ticking on 31 May 1859.

ACCURACY

As said before, Big Ben is known for its accuracy. In fact, the clock is accurate to within two seconds every two weeks. 

It is wound by stacking coins on the clock’s huge pendulum, in order to keep Big Ben’s chimes sounding at just the right moment. At night, all four of the clock’s faces are illuminated and when Parliament is in session, a light above Big Ben is lit.

BIG BEN CHIMES

RESTORATION

Currently, the Great Clock is undergoing a £29 million restoration which is set to take four years to complete. Parliament's aim is to modernize and upgrade its facilities to make them fit for the 21st century. The clock chimed for the last time in August 2017, but Big Ben will return to service in spring 2022.