Name: Big Ben
Address: London SW1A 0AA, UK
Telephone: 020 7219 4272
Rating: 4.4

16-storey Gothic clocktower and national symbol at the Eastern end of the Houses of Parliament.

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Each clock face of Big Ben is made up of 324 individual pieces of pot opal glass, totaling 1,292 pieces across all four faces.

Glass Pieces

Big Ben's clock tower, officially known as Elizabeth Tower, was built between 1843 and 1859, making it over 160 years old.

Years Old

The Elizabeth Tower stands at an impressive 96 meters tall, which is equivalent to stacking 21 London buses on top of each other.

Tower Height

While Big Ben is the most famous bell, there are actually four smaller bells, known as quarter bells, that chime alongside it to create its iconic sound.

Bells in the Tower

In 1944, a flock of birds landed on the minute hand of Big Ben, weighing it down enough to cause the clock to run slow.

Clock Slowdown

On New Year's Eve 1962, Big Ben chimed late due to snow and ice weighing down the clock hands.

Late Chime

The Elizabeth Tower leans slightly at an angle of about 0.04 degrees, though it's so subtle that it's hardly noticeable.

Leaning Tower

Big Ben, the iconic clock tower of the Palace of Westminster in London, stands as a symbol of British parliamentary democracy. Its official name, Elizabeth Tower, was bestowed in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. The tower, designed by Augustus Pugin in a Gothic Revival style, houses the Great Bell, known as Big Ben, which weighs 13.5 tons and chimes the hour. The clock, renowned for its accuracy, uses a double three-legged gravity escapement designed by Edmund Beckett Denison. The tower's dials, each 22.5 feet in diameter, are made of cast iron and feature 324 pieces of opalescent glass. The ornate surrounds of the dials are gilded, and at the base of each is a Latin inscription honoring Queen Victoria. Big Ben has witnessed significant historical events, including the Blitz during World War II, when it continued to chime despite damage to the tower. The tower underwent a four-year restoration from 2017 to 2021, during which the bells were silenced to protect workers. The restoration revealed extensive damage from a 1941 bombing raid, necessitating additional repairs. Upon its completion, the tower emerged from behind scaffolding in time for the ringing in of the new year in 2021.

Introduction

Big Ben, the iconic clock tower of the Palace of Westminster in London, stands as a testament to Victorian engineering prowess. Its construction, completed in 1859, involved the collaboration of renowned architects and engineers, including Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin. The tower's Gothic Revival design incorporates intricate ironwork, stone carvings, and a four-faced clock, each with a diameter of 23 feet.

The clock mechanism, designed by Edmund Beckett Denison and constructed by Edward Dent, is a masterpiece of horological engineering. Its pendulum, weighing over 1,300 pounds, swings every two seconds, ensuring remarkable accuracy. The clock's chimes, produced by a set of 13 bells, have become synonymous with London's soundscape.

The tower's stability is maintained by a massive foundation of concrete and brick, which extends 50 feet below ground level. The iron framework, designed by William Fairbairn, provides structural support and allows for the tower's great height without compromising its integrity.

Big Ben's engineering innovations have influenced clock tower design worldwide. Its intricate clock mechanism, robust structure, and enduring accuracy continue to inspire engineers and architects alike. As an enduring symbol of London and British engineering excellence, Big Ben stands as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its creators.

Engineering Masterpiece

Big Ben stands as a testament to Victorian engineering prowess, its design a harmonious blend of Gothic Revival and neo-Gothic styles. The tower's intricate stonework, soaring spires, and elaborate detailing showcase the skill and artistry of its creators. At 96 meters tall, Big Ben dominates the skyline, its presence both awe-inspiring and iconic. The clock faces, each measuring 7 meters in diameter, are composed of over 300 pieces of opal glass, illuminating the night with their ethereal glow. The tower's stability is ensured by its solid foundations and the use of high-quality materials, including Anstone limestone cladding. Inside, the clock mechanism is a marvel of precision, featuring a double three-legged gravity escapement that regulates the pendulum's swing with remarkable accuracy. Big Ben's architectural grandeur and engineering ingenuity have made it a beloved symbol of London and a timeless masterpiece of Victorian architecture.

Architectural Marvel

Big Ben, the iconic clock tower of the Palace of Westminster, stands as a formidable symbol of democracy in the United Kingdom. Its majestic presence has witnessed centuries of parliamentary debates, shaping the nation's political landscape. The tower's intricate Gothic Revival architecture, designed by Augustus Pugin, embodies the enduring principles of democracy, with its elaborate carvings and Latin inscriptions paying homage to Queen Victoria's reign.

As the largest bell in the tower, Big Ben tolls the hour with a resounding E-natural, its deep chime echoing through the streets of London. Its unwavering accuracy, maintained by the meticulous care of the Keeper of the Clock, reflects the precision and reliability that are hallmarks of a well-functioning democracy. The clock's dials, adorned with the words "DOMINE SALVAM FAC REGINAM NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM," invoke divine protection for the sovereign, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between monarchy and democracy in the British system.

Big Ben's resilience during times of adversity further cements its status as a symbol of democracy. Despite being damaged by a bomb blast during World War II, the clock continued to chime, its indomitable spirit mirroring the resilience of the British people. Its recent restoration, which included the painstaking repair of intricate carvings and the installation of a lift for accessibility, demonstrates the nation's commitment to preserving its democratic heritage.

Today, Big Ben stands as a beacon of stability and continuity, its presence reassuring citizens and visitors alike of the enduring strength of British democracy. Its iconic silhouette, emblazoned on countless postcards and souvenirs, has become synonymous with the United Kingdom's democratic values, inspiring awe and admiration around the world.

Symbol of Democracy

The Great Bell, more affectionately known as Big Ben, is the largest of the five bells housed within the Elizabeth Tower, the iconic clock tower of the Palace of Westminster in London. Weighing in at a colossal 13.7 tons, Big Ben's deep, resonant chimes have become synonymous with the city's soundscape, marking the hour for over 160 years.

The bell was cast in 1858 by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, replacing an earlier bell that had cracked during testing. Its name, Big Ben, is believed to have originated from either Sir Benjamin Hall, the Commissioner of Works who oversaw its installation, or Benjamin Caunt, a renowned heavyweight boxer of the time.

Big Ben's design is a marvel of Victorian engineering. Its massive pendulum, measuring 14 feet in length, swings majestically, regulating the clock's accuracy to within a remarkable two seconds per week. The bell's intricate chiming mechanism, known as the Cambridge Chimes, plays a 20-note sequence that has become instantly recognizable worldwide.

Over the years, Big Ben has witnessed countless historical events, from the outbreak of the First World War to the end of the Cold War. Its chimes have rung out during royal coronations, state funerals, and the annual New Year's Eve celebrations.

In 2017, Big Ben fell silent for an extensive renovation project that lasted four years. During this time, the bell underwent meticulous restoration, ensuring its continued operation for generations to come. Upon its return in 2021, Big Ben's familiar chimes once again filled the London air, a testament to its enduring legacy as a symbol of British heritage and precision.

Great Bell

The Westminster Chimes, a melody synonymous with Big Ben, are a captivating sequence of 20 notes played on the quarter bells every 15 minutes. The tune, originally known as the Cambridge Quarters, was composed in 1793 for Great St Mary's Church in Cambridge. It was adopted by Westminster in the mid-19th century and has since become an iconic representation of London.

The Westminster Chimes consist of four changes in the key of E major, played at different intervals throughout the hour. At quarter past, the first four notes are heard; at half past, the next eight; at quarter to, the following four; and finally, the entire 20-note sequence chimes on the hour.

The low B bell, struck twice in quick succession, is unique in its design. Due to the lack of time to pull a hammer back, it is equipped with two wrench hammers on opposite sides. The Westminster Chimes have become a cultural phenomenon, imitated by clocks and devices worldwide. They are particularly significant in the United Kingdom, where they mark the start of the New Year and the two minutes of silence on Remembrance Day.

Westminster Chimes

Big Ben, the iconic clock tower of London, stands as a testament to British engineering prowess and cultural heritage. Its colossal bell, the largest in the United Kingdom, has tolled the hours for over 160 years, becoming an enduring symbol of British identity and parliamentary democracy. The tower's neo-Gothic design, a masterpiece of architect Augustus Pugin, has inspired countless structures worldwide, solidifying its status as an architectural icon.

Beyond its timekeeping function, Big Ben has played a pivotal role in British cultural life. Its chimes have marked significant historical events, from the outbreak of World War II to the millennium celebrations. It has featured prominently in literature, film, and music, becoming an instantly recognizable symbol of London and the United Kingdom. The tower's silhouette has graced countless postcards, stamps, and souvenirs, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

Big Ben's cultural legacy extends beyond its physical presence. Its chimes have become synonymous with accuracy and reliability, inspiring a sense of national pride and unity. The tower has witnessed countless protests, celebrations, and royal events, serving as a backdrop for some of the most pivotal moments in British history. Its enduring presence has made it a beloved landmark, cherished by generations of Britons and visitors alike.

Cultural Legacy

Big Ben, the colossal bell within the Elizabeth Tower of the Palace of Westminster, stands as a testament to unparalleled timekeeping accuracy. Its intricate mechanism, meticulously engineered by Edmund Beckett Denison and George Airy, has ensured its reliability for over a century and a half. The clock's double three-legged gravity escapement, an ingenious innovation, effectively isolates the pendulum from external influences, minimizing perturbations caused by wind or temperature fluctuations.

The pendulum itself, a marvel of precision, is crafted from alternating layers of zinc and steel, compensating for thermal expansion and maintaining a consistent length regardless of temperature variations. This ensures that the clock's rhythm remains unaffected by seasonal changes, preserving its remarkable accuracy.

Furthermore, the clock's timekeeping is meticulously calibrated using pre-decimal pennies. Adding or removing a single penny subtly alters the pendulum's mass, adjusting its swing rate and fine-tuning the clock's precision. This ingenious method allows for minute adjustments, ensuring that Big Ben remains synchronized with the passage of time.

The clock's unwavering accuracy has earned it a reputation as a symbol of reliability and punctuality. Its chimes, broadcast daily by the BBC, have become an iconic time signal, trusted by millions worldwide. Big Ben's precision has not only shaped the daily lives of Londoners but has also played a significant role in the nation's history, providing an unwavering reference point during pivotal moments and celebrations.

Timekeeping Accuracy

Big Ben, the iconic clock tower of London, has undergone a meticulous restoration project to ensure its longevity. The extensive conservation efforts aimed to safeguard the tower from the ravages of time and the elements. Over 1,000 components were meticulously removed and restored by expert clockmakers. The massive clock dials, measuring over 14 feet, were repaired and reglazed to withstand London's harsh weather conditions. Additionally, more than 400 cast iron roof tiles and numerous masonry elements were replaced to prevent water intrusion. The tower's original limestone, eroded by pollution, was extensively replaced with hundreds of new pieces. The restoration also addressed the intricate carvings by the tower's original architect, which had been damaged by pollution. The project's goal was not only to restore Big Ben to its former glory but also to ensure its continued accuracy and reliability as a timekeeping marvel.

Restoration and Preservation

As a historical icon, Big Ben in London, United Kingdom stands as a testament to Victorian engineering prowess and a symbol of British parliamentary democracy. Its construction in the mid-19th century marked a significant milestone in horological history, with its intricate clockwork mechanism and colossal bell, the latter affectionately known as Big Ben, becoming the largest in the British Isles. The tower's neo-Gothic design, adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, reflects the architectural revivalism of the era and has made it an enduring symbol of London's cityscape.

Beyond its timekeeping function, Big Ben has played a pivotal role in British history. Its chimes have marked countless重大事件, from the outbreak of wars to the celebration of royal jubilees. During World War II, the tower withstood German bombing raids, becoming a symbol of resilience and defiance. Its continued operation throughout the conflict, despite damage to the surrounding Houses of Parliament, cemented its status as a national icon.

Today, Big Ben remains a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world who marvel at its grandeur and historical significance. Its regular maintenance and restoration efforts ensure its continued operation for generations to come, preserving a tangible link to Britain's rich past.

Historical Icon

Elizabeth Tower, the iconic clock tower that houses the renowned bell known as Big Ben, stands as a symbol of British parliamentary democracy and a beloved landmark in London. Originally named the Clock Tower, it was renamed in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. Designed by Augustus Pugin in the Gothic Revival style, the tower rises 316 feet, adorned with intricate stone carvings and symbols representing the four nations of the United Kingdom.

The Great Bell, weighing over 13 tons, is the heart of Elizabeth Tower. Its nickname, Big Ben, is believed to have originated from Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw its installation. The bell's massive size and deep resonant tone have made it an enduring symbol of London. The tower also features four quarter bells that chime on the quarter hours, creating the familiar melody that echoes through the city.

Elizabeth Tower's clock mechanism is a marvel of engineering, designed by Edmund Beckett Denison and George Airy. It is known for its exceptional accuracy, maintained by the addition or removal of pre-decimal pennies from the pendulum. The clock's dials, each measuring 22.5 feet in diameter, are made of 324 pieces of glass, allowing the time to be visible from afar.

The tower's interior is a labyrinth of spiral staircases, leading to the clock room and the belfry. The climb to the top, with its 334 steps, offers breathtaking views of London. Elizabeth Tower has undergone extensive renovations over the years, including a major restoration project from 2017 to 2021, during which the bells were silenced to protect workers. The tower has emerged from its scaffolding, restored to its former glory, and continues to chime the hours, a timeless symbol of British heritage and a cherished landmark for generations to come.

Big Ben

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Glass Pieces

Years Old

Tower Height

Bells in the Tower

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