The tower rises to a staggering 315 feet high, and 334 steps wind dizzyingly to the top. The construction was completed in 1859, and its four-faced clock was the largest of its kind in the world. Built during the reign of Queen Victoria–after a tragic fire on October 16, 1834, destroyed most of the old Palace–the designs feature beautiful neo-Gothic elements that give the Palace its ancient look. When was Big Ben Built?Īlthough the new Palace of Westminster–with its world-renowned London clock tower–looks like a remnant of the medieval city, it’s merely 160 years old. Planning a trip to London? Check out Context Conversations, online seminars and courses perfect for that pre-trip education, or Context London private tours for when you’re in the Big Smoke itself. Big Ben–one of the most reliable clocks in the world–has no shortage of admirers, and the London clock tower has been used to set the scene in countless films and books over the last century. Originally the site of the royal palace of London, Westminster is now the seat of governance and the bastion of British democracy. Also known as "Big Ben", this nickname was commonly bestowed in society to anything that was the heaviest in its class.Think of Britain’s capital and the first image that springs to mind is Big Ben, the iconic London clock tower of the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.
The first is that is was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the first commissioner of works, a large man who was known affectionately in the house as "Big Ben".The origin of the name Big Ben is not known, although two different theories exist. Westminster pier is next to the tower and is served by a number of river bus travel options. There are a several London bus routes that go past the tower, and Westminster Tube station is directly across the road, serviced by the Jubilee, District and Circle lines. Where is Big Ben?īig Ben is found in the Elizabeth Tower at the north end of The Houses of Parliament in Westminster, Central London, next to the river Thames. How tall is Big Ben?Įlizabeth Tower stands at more than 96 metres (105yrds) tall, with 334 steps to climb up to the belfry and 399 steps to the Ayrton Light at the very top of the tower. A lighter hammer was fitted and the bell rotated to present an undamaged section to the hammer. A short time later, in September 1859, Big Ben cracked. The metal was melted down and the bell recast in Whitechapel in 1858.īig Ben first rang across Westminster on. In 1844, it was decided the new buildings for the Houses of Parliament should include a tower and a clock.Ī massive bell was required and the first attempt (made by John Warner & Sons at Stockton-on-Tees) cracked irreparably. The Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834. In June 2012 the House of Commons announced that the clock tower was to be renamed the Elizabeth Tower in honour of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.The latin words under the clock face read DOMINE SALVAM FAC REGINAM NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM, which means "O Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria the First".The chimes of Big Ben were first broadcast by the BBC on 31 December 1923, a tradition that continues to this day.Even after a bomb destroyed the Commons chamber during the Second World War, the clock tower survived and Big Ben continued to strike the hours.
Big Ben's timekeeping is strictly regulated by a stack of coins placed on the huge pendulum.A special light above the clock faces is illuminated when parliament is in session.There are 312 pieces of glass in each clock dial.The numbers are approximately 60cm (23in) long.The minute hands are 4.2 metres long (14ft) and weigh about 100kg (220lbs, including counterweights).The clock tower looks spectacular at night when the four clock faces are illuminated. Technically, Big Ben is the name given to the massive bell inside the clock tower, which weighs more than 13 tons (13,760 kg). The Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower, commonly called Big Ben, are among London's most iconic landmarks and must-see London attractions.
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