Big Ben: Discovering London’s Iconic Clock Tower and Bell
Explore the history, intrigue, and enduring cultural significance of Big Ben—London's celebrated clock tower and bell.
Big Ben: London’s Timeless Landmark
Big Ben is among the most enduring symbols of London and a highlight for any visitor to the city. Officially known as Elizabeth Tower since 2012, the tower houses the enormous Great Bell—the original ‘Big Ben’—and forms an integral part of the Palace of Westminster, home to the UK Parliament. Steeped in history and architectural grandeur, Big Ben stands not just as a remarkable feat of Victorian engineering, but also as a cultural icon recognized worldwide.
Why Visit Big Ben?
- Architectural Marvel: A soaring example of neo-gothic design and precision clockmaking.
- Historical Significance: Central to key moments in British history and the daily life of London.
- Photographic Gem: An unmissable photo opportunity, lit spectacularly at night.
- Cultural Symbol: A global emblem of British identity and resilience.
What Is Big Ben?
The term “Big Ben” originally refers not to the entire tower, but to the massive hour bell housed inside. Over time, usage has blurred this distinction, and today the name is often used to refer to the whole clock tower, with its four grand clock faces shining over the Thames. Since 2012, the tower itself is officially named Elizabeth Tower in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Elizabeth Tower (since 2012) |
| Popular Name | Big Ben (refers to the bell, used for the tower as well) |
| Height | 96 meters (315 feet) |
| Weight of Main Bell | 13.7 tons (13,760 kg) |
| Clock Dials | Four; each 7 meters in diameter |
| Year Completed | 1859 |
The History of Big Ben
The story of Big Ben begins with tragedy and vision. When fire ravaged the original Palace of Westminster in October 1834, it left a need to rebuild British Parliament’s home, and with it, set the stage for creating one of London’s greatest architectural masterpieces.
- 1834: Palace of Westminster destroyed by fire.
- 1843–1859: Construction of the tower and the Great Clock.
- 1859: Big Ben rings for the first time on May 31.
- 2012: Tower renamed Elizabeth Tower in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.
The principal architect for the new Houses of Parliament was Sir Charles Barry, who worked with Augustus Pugin for the tower’s intricate Gothic Revival design. Scaffolding rose above Westminster in 1843, and after years of careful labor, Big Ben sounded its first famous chimes in 1859.
Origins of the Name
The origin of the name “Big Ben” is shrouded in legend and debate. Two theories prevail:
- Sir Benjamin Hall: A tall Welsh engineer, commissioner of works when the bell was installed—his name was even inscribed on the bell.
- Benjamin Caunt: A popular heavyweight boxing champion of the period, known as “Big Ben.”
Whichever story you prefer, the name has for over a century evoked power, endurance, and a certain British sense of humor.
Architecture and Design
Big Ben’s design reflects Victorian-era confidence and ingenuity. Barry’s vision, shaped by Pugin’s inspiration, resulted in a soaring, intricately adorned tower.
- Style: Perpendicular Gothic
- Height: 96 meters (315 feet)
- Steps: 334 from ground to belfry
- Clock faces: Four, each with a diameter of 7 meters (23 feet)
- Minute hand: 4.3 meters (14 feet) long
- Hour hand: 2.7 meters (9 feet) long
The structure’s neo-gothic details, ornate spire, and clock faces illuminated at night make it unmistakable against London’s skyline. The clock mechanism was engineered to be not only visually impressive, but also astonishingly accurate.
The Clock and Bell Mechanism
The clock at Big Ben is renowned for its mechanical precision—a signature achievement of Victorian engineering.
- Original Designers: Edmund Beckett Denison and Sir George Airy (Astronomer Royal)
- Builders: Edward John Dent and Frederick Dent
- Main Bell: Cast in 1858, weighing 13.7 tons, after a previous bell cracked during testing
- Chiming: The bell chimes the hour, joined by four quarter bells that ring every 15 minutes with a melody known as the Westminster Quarters melody
More Than Just Big Ben
Inside the tower, Big Ben is joined by four smaller bells. Each quarter bell strikes a unique tone, creating a harmony every fifteen minutes. The hour is marked by the sonorous toll of ‘Big Ben’ itself.
- First quarter bell: G
- Second quarter bell: F#
- Third quarter bell: E
- Fourth quarter bell: B
Big Ben Through the Ages
Since 1859, Big Ben has witnessed and marked countless major events in Britain. Its chimes have offered reassurance during dark times—famously ringing out to the nation during World War II bombings.
Periodic renovations have kept the clock, bells, and tower in top condition. The tower underwent major refurbishment starting in 2017, with upgrades to conservation, lighting, and the clock’s mechanics—ensuring it continues ticking for generations to come.
Fascinating Facts About Big Ben
- World record: Upon completion, it was the world’s largest and most accurate four-faced chiming clock.
- Cracks and fixes: The first bell cracked irreparably and was melted down to recast the current bell. That bell too developed a crack weeks after it began ringing, but a lighter hammer and a quarter turn of the bell fixed the iconic chime we hear today.
- Lighting: Each clock face is lit after dark, and a special light above the faces (the Ayrton Light) glows when Parliament is in session.
- Victorian mechanism: The original mechanism still operates the bells, though a modern electric motor provides a reliable backup.
- Unclimbable for most: The public cannot usually go inside, but UK residents can arrange tours via their Member of Parliament (children under 11 not allowed due to the steep, narrow staircase).
- Timekeeping: The clock’s accuracy has long been regulated using old British pennies as balancing weights for the pendulum.
- Precision engineering: The clock mechanism is so well-engineered that, on average, it has deviated only a few seconds per year.
Big Ben in British Life and Culture
Few monuments are as entangled with national identity as Big Ben. The sound of its chimes is broadcast on radio and television throughout the UK, especially during momentous events such as New Year’s Eve and Remembrance Day.
As a backdrop for everything from peace vigils to celebrations and world news, Big Ben continues to be a defining image of London’s landscape.
Visitor Information: How to Experience Big Ben
- Location: Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) is at the northeastern end of the Palace of Westminster, Houses of Parliament, on the banks of the River Thames.
- Public Access: While the exterior is viewable by all, tours of the tower are only available to UK residents (by arrangement through a Member of Parliament) and not open to overseas visitors due to security.
- Best views: From Westminster Bridge and across the Thames, especially at sunset.
- Nearby attractions: Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and Parliament Square are all within walking distance.
- Travel: Easily accessible via Westminster Underground station (Circle, District, and Jubilee Lines).
Practical Tips
- Arrive early if you hope to beat the crowds for the best photos.
- Visit at night for the illuminated clock faces and dramatic effect.
- Plan extra time to explore the historic and bustling Westminster area.
Big Ben: Symbol and Pop Culture Icon
Big Ben’s status goes well beyond tourist brochures. It features in countless films, television series, literature, and advertising. Its chimes are instantly recognizable to millions worldwide. Whether you see it in news segments or as a CGI prop in disaster movies, Big Ben always evokes the spirit of London.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Big Ben the name of the tower or the bell?
A: Big Ben originally refers to the Great Bell inside the clock tower, but today the term is often used for the whole tower, which is officially named Elizabeth Tower since 2012.
Q: Can visitors go inside Big Ben?
A: Access is restricted. Only UK residents can arrange tours through their Member of Parliament, and children under 11 are not permitted due to safety constraints.
Q: How old is Big Ben?
A: Construction began in 1843, and the bell rang for the first time in 1859, making it over 160 years old.
Q: Why did they rename the Clock Tower?
A: The tower was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.
Q: What time does Big Ben chime?
A: Big Ben (the Great Bell) chimes every hour, accompanied by the quarter bells every 15 minutes.
Plan Your Visit
- Location: Palace of Westminster, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
- Opening Hours: The exterior is viewable daily; no internal visitor access except by special arrangement for UK residents.
- Public Transport: Westminster Underground station is just steps away.
- Accessibility: Well-linked by public transport, but no step-free access inside the tower due to its historic staircase.
Summary
Standing sentinel over the heart of London, Big Ben is not just an extraordinary feat of Victorian engineering—it’s an enduring testament to time, resilience, and British culture. Whether admired from Westminster Bridge or heard across the airwaves, Big Ben remains a must-see for any traveler—and a proud, ever-present guardian of London’s past, present, and future.
