Big Ben is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and has become synonymous with the city’s identity. The famous clock tower, located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, has been the symbol of London and the British Parliament for over a century. The tower was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, but it is still commonly referred to as Big Ben by locals and tourists alike. In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of Big Ben, from its construction to the present day.
The bell, Big Ben, is actually not the official name of the tower or the clock. The tower was originally called the Clock Tower, and the clock was called the Great Clock. The name “Big Ben” was originally the nickname of the bell, but over time it came to be used to refer to the entire tower and clock.
In addition to the clock and bell, the tower also houses a small prison. It was originally used to hold MPs who had committed offenses within the Palace of Westminster, but it hasn’t been used as a prison since the 19th century.
Construction of the Tower
The Palace of Westminster, which houses the Houses of Parliament, was originally built in the 11th century, but a fire in 1834 destroyed most of the original building. A competition was held to design a new building, and architect Charles Barry won the competition with his gothic design. Barry’s design included a clock tower, which would eventually become known as Big Ben.
The construction of the tower began in 1843 and was completed in 1859, at a cost of £16,000 (equivalent to around £1.5 million today). The tower is 96 meters (315 feet) tall and contains a clock mechanism, as well as the famous bell, Big Ben.
The Elizabeth Tower, as it is now officially known, is open for tours, but visitors must climb 334 steps to reach the top. The view from the top is spectacular, but due to its popularity, tickets can be difficult to obtain.
The Bell
The bell, which weighs over 13.5 tons, was cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry and was installed in the tower in 1859. The bell was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works at the time of the tower’s construction, who was known for his large size and booming voice.
The bell’s chimes became famous around the world, and in 1923, the BBC began broadcasting them on the radio. The chimes were also used during World War II as a symbol of hope and defiance, and they continue to be broadcast on the radio today.
The bell was actually damaged during its installation in the tower and had to be recast twice before it was finally deemed acceptable.
The Clock Mechanism
The clock mechanism was designed by Edward John Dent and his stepson, Frederick Dent. The clock has four faces, each measuring over 7 meters (23 feet) in diameter. The mechanism is so accurate that it can be adjusted by just a few seconds each day.
The clock’s pendulum weighs over 300 kilograms (660 pounds) and swings once every two seconds. The mechanism is wound by hand three times a week, and it takes about an hour to complete the winding process.
The clock faces are made of cast iron and are held in place by a steel frame. Each face has 312 pieces of opal glass that allow light to shine through at night.
The clock’s chimes are produced by hammers striking the bells. The quarter-hour chimes are made by four hammers striking the four smaller bells, while the hour chime is made by a single hammer striking the largest bell, Big Ben.
The clock has been known to be remarkably accurate. During World War II, when the BBC was using the chimes as a symbol of hope and defiance, the clock was set to within a second of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), the standard time zone for the UK.
Renovations and Maintenance
Over the years, the tower has undergone several renovations and maintenance work. In 1934, the clock’s original mechanism was replaced with an electric one, and the clock faces were illuminated with electric lamps.
During World War II, the tower’s roof was damaged by bombs, and the clock faces were temporarily covered to prevent enemy aircraft from using them as navigation markers.
In 1976, a fire broke out in the tower, causing significant damage. The clock mechanism was restored, and the tower was reopened to the public in 1979.
In 2017, a four-year renovation project began on the Elizabeth Tower, which involved repairing and refurbishing the clock mechanism, as well as replacing the tower’s roof and restoring the tower’s stonework. The renovation project is expected to be completed in 2022, and the tower will remain open to the public once the work is finished.
The clock tower leans slightly to the northwest, which has caused some concern in recent years about the possibility of it collapsing. However, engineers have reassured the public that the lean is within safe limits and that the tower is not in danger of falling.
Conclusion
Big Ben is a symbol of London and a testament to the engineering and architectural prowess of the 19th century. The clock tower has stood the test of time and has become an integral part of London’s cultural heritage. Despite undergoing several renovations and maintenance work over the years, the tower has retained its original charm and continues to attract millions of tourists each year. As London continues to evolve and change, Big Ben remains a constant reminder of the city’s rich history.
