Welcome to the heart of London, where history and modernity intertwine seamlessly. One iconic symbol that stands tall amidst this beautiful fusion is none other than Big Ben, a landmark known across the globe for its grandeur and historical significance.
The History of Big Ben
Big Ben’s story began in 1834 when the old Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire. A design competition was held to rebuild it, with Charles Barry’s Gothic Revival plan emerging as the winner. However, it wasn’t until 1859 – three years after construction had finished on the rest of the building – that Big Ben first chimed.
Contrary to popular belief, ‘Big Ben’ doesn’t refer to the entire clock tower but specifically to its massive bell. The tower itself has been renamed several times; initially called simply The Clock Tower, it was officially christened Elizabeth Tower in 2012 in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.
The Bell: Why is It Called “Big Ben”?
The origin behind ‘Big Ben’ remains a subject of debate among historians. Some believe it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall who oversaw its installation; others argue that heavyweight boxing champion Benjamin Caunt was its namesake because he too went by ‘Big Ben’. Regardless of how it got its name, there’s no denying this colossal bell weighs an impressive13 tonnes!
A Closer Look at Its Architectural Brilliance
Designed by Augustus Pugin alongside Charles Barry’s architectural masterpiece (the new Houses of Parliament), Big Ben boasts a unique blend of neo-Gothic and French Renaissance styles. It stands at an impressive height of approximately 96 meters (315 feet) with each dial measuring over seven metres in diameter.
Pugin designed not only the tower but also the clock face, which features 312 pieces of opal glass. The minute hand alone is 4.2 meters long and weighs about 100kg! It’s no surprise that such a grand structure requires regular maintenance; the most recent renovation was completed in 2021.
Big Ben: A Symbol of Timekeeping
Since its inception, Big Ben has played a crucial role in keeping Londoners on time. Its chimes are broadcasted by BBC Radio to mark the hour – an iconic sound recognized worldwide.
The accuracy of Big Ben’s timekeeping is remarkable given its age; it relies on a stack of coins placed on the pendulum to fine-tune its speed. When one British penny is added or removed, it changes the clock’s speed by two-fifths of a second per day!
A Must-Visit Attraction for Tourists
No trip to London would be complete without visiting this historic landmark. While tours inside Elizabeth Tower have been temporarily suspended due to ongoing restoration works, visitors can still marvel at Big Ben from outside and take some unforgettable photographs with this quintessential symbol of London as their backdrop.
In conclusion, whether you’re fascinated by architectural design, intrigued by history or simply want to experience something uniquely British, don’t miss out on witnessing Big Ben in all its glory during your next visit to London!
Frequently asked questions
What is the history and significance of Big Ben in London?
Big Ben, officially known as the Elizabeth Tower, is an iconic symbol of London and the United Kingdom. It was completed in 1859 following a design competition after the previous tower was destroyed by fire. The name ‘Big Ben’ actually refers to the bell housed within the tower which weighs more than 13 tons. Its chimes have been broadcast by BBC Radio since New Year’s Eve in 1923, marking it as a significant cultural icon. The clock tower has also survived bombing during World War II, making it a symbol of resilience for many.
Where exactly is Big Ben located and how can I get there?
Big Ben is located at Westminster in central London, adjacent to the Houses of Parliament on Bridge Street. You can easily reach this location via public transportation using several options: By tube – Westminster station (Circle Line or District Line), By train – Charing Cross station or Victoria Station are both close-by; you may then walk or take a bus from these stations.
Can visitors tour inside Big Ben?
No, tours inside Big Ben are not currently available due to ongoing renovation works projected to finish in late 2021. However, once open again for visits, only UK residents will be able to tour inside Big Ben through their Member of Parliament while international visitors can enjoy its exterior architectural beauty and listen to its famous chimes from outside.
What are some interesting facts about Big Ben?
The clock faces of Big Ben each measure nearly seven metres across! Also despite popular belief that ‘Big Ben’ refers to either the whole building or clock itself; it actually denotes just one specific part – namely its largest bell which strikes every hour. Another fascinating fact is that even during the war, Big Ben kept time accurately and only stopped briefly for maintenance or repair work.
What are some other tourist attractions near Big Ben?
Big Ben is located in a historically rich area of London with many nearby attractions. These include the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye. The River Thames is also close by, offering river cruises that provide stunning views of these landmarks. Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery art museum, is just a short walk away too.
