Big ben london tower

The Elizabeth Tower, globally known as Big Ben, is the iconic clock tower of the Palace of Westminster in London.

About this subject

The Elizabeth Tower, commonly called Big Ben, is one of the world's most photographed landmarks. Located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, it houses the Great Clock of Westminster and the main bell that gives the structure its nickname. Designed by Augustus Pugin in Gothic Revival style, the construction was completed in 1859 after the palace was rebuilt following a fire in 1834.

Although many refer to the entire tower as Big Ben, the official name of the bell is Big Ben. The bell weighs 13.5 tons and was cast in 1858 at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. It sounds the note E flat and its chime has been broadcast by the BBC since 1924, becoming an auditory symbol of the United Kingdom. The clock mechanism features a 4.5-meter pendulum and is famous for its accuracy, adjusted by adding or removing penny coins to regulate the time.

The tower stands 96 meters tall and requires climbing 334 steps to reach the belfry. During World War II, the clock continued to operate despite bombings. Recently, it underwent a complete restoration from 2017 to 2022, including masonry repairs, repainting, and system modernization. The landmark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and attracts millions of visitors annually, although access is restricted to UK residents.

Interestingly, the name "Big Ben" may originate from Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw the bell's installation, or from heavyweight boxer Benjamin Caunt. The clock has stopped only on rare occasions, such as the funerals of Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II. Its image is so iconic that it appears in films like "V for Vendetta" and "Mission: Impossible".

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower?

Big Ben is the name of the main bell inside the tower, not the tower itself. The tower was renamed from Clock Tower to Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.

Is Big Ben still working?

Yes, the clock is fully operational. It underwent a complete restoration from 2017 to 2022 but never stopped entirely. The bells continue to chime regularly, except during scheduled maintenance.

Can tourists visit inside Big Ben?

Unfortunately, interior visits are restricted to UK residents who book in advance through a Member of Parliament. International visitors can view the tower from outside and join tours of the Palace of Westminster.