The official name of the tower in which Big Ben is located was originally the Clock Tower, but it was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II. This is usually extended to refer to both the clock and the clock tower. Download the Big Ben in London Facts & Worksheetsīig Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London.However, between 20 the clock fell silent (except for special occasions such as New Year's Eve and Remembrance Sunday) while work was carried out on the clock mechanism itself, ensuring that Big Ben will continue to work smoothly well into the future. It even kept chiming during the bombing attacks of World War II.Īlthough there are few occasions when Big Ben has suffered punctuality incidents, Londoners will never forget 1962 New Year’s Eve, when the clock chimed the new year 10 minutes late due to the harsh weather conditions. It is one of the world’s most reliable clocks, withstanding rain, wind and snow. It has become one of the most recognisable British icons and its chimes are broadcasted by BBC radio every day. British punctualityīig Ben’s four-faced clock is set in a 23 feet (7m) frame on all sides of the Tower and was completed in May 1859.

However, Big Ben is actually the clock’s Great Bell, which weighs 14 tons and is found inside the tower called Elizabeth Tower. When we envisage Big Ben, we normally think of the Parliament’s clock tower. The gothic-styled tower standing 315 feet (96 m) high holds a four-faced clock and was built in 1858 at the far end of the Parliament.

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