One of London’s most famous landmarks, Big Ben is a must-see for tourists visiting the city. While many people think that Big Ben refers to the entire clock tower, it actually is the nickname for the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower at the northern end of the Houses of Parliament. The tower, the bell, and the clock together create one of the most recognizable symbols of London and the United Kingdom.
A Brief History
Big Ben was completed in 1859 as part of the new Palace of Westminster after the original building was destroyed by fire in 1834. The clock tower was designed by architect Augustus Pugin, and the clock mechanism was created by Edward John Dent and his stepson Frederick Dent. The Great Bell, which weighs over 13 tons, was cast in 1858 and began striking the hour in July 1859.
The clock tower was officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. However, the name Big Ben remains synonymous with both the tower and the entire structure for most people around the world.
The Architecture and Design
The Elizabeth Tower stands at 316 feet (96 meters) tall and is constructed in the Gothic Revival style. The tower is made primarily of brick, with a stone cladding of Anston limestone. The clock faces are set within an iron frame and are 23 feet (7 meters) in diameter, making them the largest clock faces in the UK. Each clock face is illuminated from behind at night, allowing the time to be seen from a great distance.
The clock mechanism is one of the most accurate of its kind, designed to remain within one second of GMT. It was revolutionary at the time of its construction and continues to be a marvel of engineering. The pendulum, which regulates the clock, swings every two seconds and is adjusted by adding or removing old pennies to maintain its accuracy.
The Great Bell – Big Ben
The Great Bell, known as Big Ben, is the most famous part of the tower. Weighing 13.5 tons, it was cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, which also cast the Liberty Bell in the United States. The bell’s distinctive deep tone can be heard across Westminster and beyond, marking the hours with a powerful resonance.
Big Ben’s chimes, known as the Westminster Quarters, are instantly recognizable. The chimes are played every 15 minutes, with the hour being struck by Big Ben itself. The sound has become a symbol of London and is broadcast live by the BBC to mark the New Year and other significant events.
Visiting Big Ben
Unfortunately, visitors cannot currently tour the Elizabeth Tower as it is undergoing extensive renovations, which began in 2017 and are expected to be completed by 2024. However, there are still plenty of ways to experience Big Ben during your visit to London.
- Viewing Big Ben
While you can’t go inside, you can still admire Big Ben from various vantage points around London. The best views are from the Westminster Bridge, Parliament Square, and along the banks of the River Thames. The tower is especially stunning when lit up at night, creating a magical scene along the river.
- The Houses of Parliament
Since Big Ben is part of the Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, you can explore this historic site by taking a guided tour. The tours provide a fascinating insight into British politics and the history of the UK Parliament. Highlights include visiting the House of Commons and House of Lords, as well as the Central Lobby and Westminster Hall.
- The Churchill War Rooms
Located nearby is the Churchill War Rooms, part of the Imperial War Museums. This underground bunker served as the nerve centre of British operations during World War II. A visit here complements your time near Big Ben, offering a glimpse into Britain’s wartime history and leadership.
- Westminster Abbey
Another must-see attraction near Big Ben is Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,000 years of history. The abbey has hosted countless royal weddings, coronations, and funerals, including the recent coronation of King Charles III. Its stunning Gothic architecture and historical significance make it a perfect pairing with a visit to Big Ben.
Events and Special Occasions
Big Ben plays a central role in many national events and celebrations. The most famous of these is the New Year’s Eve celebration, where the chimes of Big Ben ring in the New Year, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the Thames.
Additionally, Big Ben often marks significant national moments, such as Remembrance Day, when it strikes 11 times at 11:00 AM to honour those who have died in war. During such events, the clock’s chimes are broadcast live across the country, reinforcing its status as a national symbol.
Fun Facts About Big Ben
- Big Ben has survived several challenges, including bombing during World War II, which damaged the clock tower and surrounding buildings, though the clock continued to run accurately.
- The clock mechanism is wound by hand three times a week, with the process taking about 90 minutes each time.
- Big Ben’s official timekeeper adjusts the clock’s accuracy by adding or removing old pennies from the pendulum to ensure it remains precise.
- The Great Bell cracked shortly after it was first installed. However, instead of recasting the bell, engineers rotated it slightly and changed the hammer’s weight. The crack remains to this day, giving Big Ben its distinctive sound.
Visitor Information
- Location: Big Ben is located at Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, on the north bank of the River Thames.
- Nearest Tube Station: The closest Underground station is Westminster Station, served by the Jubilee, Circle, and District lines. From there, it’s just a short walk to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
- Admission: While the exterior of Big Ben can be viewed freely, the interior is not currently open to the public due to ongoing renovations. Tours of the Houses of Parliament are available for a fee, and tickets can be purchased online or at the visitor entrance.
Final Thoughts
Big Ben is not just a clock tower; it’s a symbol of London’s history, resilience, and global significance. Whether you’re hearing its chimes on the radio, seeing it in person from the Thames, or capturing its image in a photo, Big Ben is an essential part of any visit to London. While renovations currently limit access to the tower itself, the surrounding area offers plenty of attractions and historical sites that make the trip to Westminster a rich and rewarding experience.
Seeing Big Ben is a moment you’ll remember long after your visit, embodying the spirit of London and the timeless nature of this incredible city.
For more accurate and authentic information, it is advisable to check the official website of the place of interest.