Big Ben, the iconic clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, is one of the most recognized landmarks in the UK. Though commonly referred to as Big Ben, this name actually belongs to the Great Bell inside the tower. Here are some fascinating facts and notable incidents related to Big Ben:
Original Name
The tower was originally named the Clock Tower. It was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.
Construction and Design
Designed by Augustus Pugin in the Gothic Revival style, construction of the tower began in 1843 and was completed in 1859. The clock mechanism was designed by Edward John Dent.
Great Bell
The Great Bell, commonly known as Big Ben, weighs approximately 13.5 tons (about 13,700 kg) and has a diameter of 2.7 meters (8.9 feet). It was the largest of its kind in the UK at the time of installation.
Accuracy
Big Ben’s clock is renowned for its accuracy, with its minute hand capable of being adjusted by just a fraction of a second. It’s driven by a system of weights and a pendulum, which helps it keep time precisely.
Four Faces
The clock tower features four clock faces, each measuring 22.5 feet (6.9 meters) in diameter. They are visible from all sides of the tower.
Tower Height
The Elizabeth Tower stands at 96 meters (315 feet) tall. Its clock dials are positioned 55 meters (180 feet) above ground level.
Famous Chimes
The chimes of Big Ben are broadcast regularly on the BBC and are an integral part of the British cultural heritage. The hourly chime is known for its distinctive sound, which was composed by Sir Arthur Sullivan.
Construction Materials
The tower was built using 6.5 million bricks and has a steel frame that supports its structure. The clock faces are made from Opal glass and illuminated at night.
Cracked Bell
In 1859, shortly after Big Ben was installed, the Great Bell cracked. The bell was recast and the original crack remains visible. The bell was adjusted to ensure it could still chime without causing further damage.
Air Raid Damage
During World War II, the clock tower suffered minor damage from air raids. Despite the damage, the clock continued to chime, becoming a symbol of resilience during the war.
Clock Mechanism Failure
In August 2017, the clock mechanism experienced a significant malfunction. The clock was stopped for four months while repairs were carried out, and the clock tower was covered with scaffolding.
Maintenance Scaffolding
The Elizabeth Tower underwent extensive renovations starting in 2017, which required scaffolding to encase the entire structure. This project lasted for several years and was part of a major effort to restore and maintain the tower.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Big Ben’s chimes are a central feature of London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. However, in 2018 and 2019, the tower’s bells were silenced for renovation work, causing a significant change in the celebrations.
Big Ben’s Misidentification
Many people refer to the entire tower as Big Ben, but this name actually refers to the Great Bell inside. The tower’s official name is the Elizabeth Tower, a misidentification that is common even among locals.