The tour includes a climb up the spiral staircase to the top of the tower, where visitors can enjoy stunning views of London and hear the chimes of Big Ben up close. Visitors to London can take a tour of the Houses of Parliament, which includes a visit to the Elizabeth Tower. The renovation was completed in 2021, and the tower is now ready to continue its important role in the history and culture of London. The renovation included the installation of a new clock mechanism, the replacement of the tower’s roof, and the restoration of the tower’s stonework. In recent years, the tower has undergone a significant renovation to ensure its continued operation and to restore it to its former glory. The clock’s chimes are also a familiar sound for Londoners, marking the passage of time and providing a sense of continuity in a rapidly changing city. The clock has been used to mark significant events, such as the end of World War II and the beginning of the new millennium. The chimes of Big Ben have also played an important role in the history of London. The tower was a symbol of the technological prowess of the British Empire, and the clock itself was a testament to British engineering. The clock tower was built during the Victorian era, a time of great industrial and technological progress. The clock has played an important role in the history of London and the United Kingdom. The tower has appeared in countless films, television shows, and other media, cementing its place in popular culture.īut the significance of Big Ben goes beyond its cultural impact. The clock has become a landmark not just in London, but in the entire world. The chimes of Big Ben have been heard around the world and are instantly recognizable. The bell is named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who was the commissioner of works at the time the tower was built.īig Ben is not just a clock tower it is a symbol of British tradition, history, and culture. Big Ben is 2.2 meters tall and weighs over 13 tonnes. At the top of the tower, there is a belfry that houses the tower’s five bells, the largest of which is Big Ben. In total, there are 334 steps to the top of the tower. The tower is also home to a spiral staircase that leads up to the clock faces and beyond. The clock’s dials and hands are so large that each numeral is over 60 centimeters tall. The clock faces are 7 meters in diameter, and the minute hands are 4.2 meters long. The tower is adorned with ornate carvings, and the four clock faces are made of opal glass. The tower is 96 meters tall and is built of brick and limestone.

The Elizabeth Tower is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture. Since then, the clock has chimed every hour, except for a few brief interruptions during World War II. The tower was officially opened on May 31, 1859, and the clock began chiming on July 11, 1859. The clock itself was designed by Edmund Beckett Denison and was installed in 1859. However, Pugin passed away before the tower was completed, and the project was taken over by Charles Barry.Ĭonstruction of the tower began in 1843 and was completed in 1858. The design for the tower was the result of a competition, and it was won by architect Augustus Pugin. The clock was to be the largest and most accurate in the world at the time, and a tower was needed to house it. The idea for the clock tower came about in the mid-19th century when it was decided that a clock should be installed in the new Palace of Westminster.

The tower is also commonly referred to as Big Ben, which is actually the nickname of the tower’s largest bell. The tower was originally called the Clock Tower, but it was renamed in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. One of the most distinctive features of the Palace of Westminster is the clock tower, which is officially known as the Elizabeth Tower. The current palace was designed by architect Charles Barry and was completed in 1870. The only surviving part of the original palace is Westminster Hall, which dates back to the 11th century. The original palace was built in the 11th century, but it was destroyed by a fire in 1834. The Palace of Westminster, which houses the Houses of Parliament, has a long and fascinating history. In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, and significance of this British icon. The iconic chimes of Big Ben, ringing out every hour, have become a symbol of British tradition, history, and culture. Standing tall at 96 meters, this impressive structure has been an integral part of London’s skyline for over 150 years. Big Ben, the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in London, and indeed, the world.

Big ben clock tower