Big Ben, London

Big Ben is probably the UK's most famous clock and one of London's best known landmarks, sitting on the bank of the River Thames and forming an important part of the city's skyscape. It's a location popular with both tourists and locals alike.

What Is Big Ben?

There is some confusion as to the name Big Ben. Some people use it to refer to the entire clock tower of the Houses of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster. Other people use the name to refer to just the clock. In fact strictly speaking the name Big Ben applies just to one bell, the largest bell in the clock: Big Ben is the Great Bell of Westminster which is the largest bell in the clock tower which houses the Great Clock of Westminster.

However you define it, Big Ben is massive. The tower is 316 foot high. Each of the four faces of the clock is 23 foot square and the figures are each 4 foot tall. The Great Bell itself is 7 and a half foot tall and weighs 13 tons.

Why is it Called 'Big Ben'?

The origin of the name Big Ben is uncertain. Some people have said it came about during the parliamentary debate to consider naming the clock - after Sir Benjamin Hall, who was known as "Big Ben". Another possibility is that the name referred to Benjamin Caunt, a heavyweight boxing champion of the time whose nickname was "Big Ben".

The History of Big Ben

The clock tower was designed as part of the new Palace of Westminster which was built after the old one was burnt down in 1834. The tower was completed in 1858.

The clock was actually finished before the tower. Designed by Edmund Beckett Denison and built by Edward John Dent it was completed in 1854. The clock features an innovative double three-legged gravity escapement.

The original Big Ben bell was to have been even larger - weighing 16 tons. This was built in 1856 but cracked in use. The contract for the bell was then given to the Whitechapel Bell Foundry who recast Big Ben into it's current 13 ton form. Big Ben rang for the first time on May 31st 1859.

Initially the bell was tuned to 'E', however a crack appeared in the new bell as well and fixing this mean that it no longer played at perfect pitch.

Big Ben Trivia

Some interesting facts:
  • The clock's pendulum is 13 foot long and weighs 690 pounds
  • The clock is regulated by the use of pre-decimal one penny coins on the pendulum
  • The midnight chimes of Big Ben are broadcast from London throughout the UK to mark the start of the New Year
  • The chimes of Big Ben are broadcast live at the start of some BBC radio broadcasts
  • A 20 foot tall replica of Big Ben known as "Little Ben" stands close to London's Victoria Station



External Links:
The Houses of Parliament