- Big Ben - the hour bell - is said to have been named after Sir Benjamin Hall, Commissioner of Works, who was known for his bulk, as is the bell!
- The original office name for Big Ben was the Clock Tower, but in 2012 it was renamed to Elizabeth Tower to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II.
- However, the whole tower is commonly referred to as Big Ben. It celebrated its 150th anniversary in May 2009 and it has a long and fascinating history.
- Easy to see this iconic tower with the Big Ben bell inside from almost anywhere within Parliament Square.
- Big Ben history begins with the destruction of the old Palace of Westminster. In 1834, the old palace caught fire, and little was left behind after the embers burned out.
- And that’s just for starters. Read on for 25 fun facts about Big Ben, including a few juicy snippets on the landmark’s ongoing renovation.
- 11 The Big Ben plays a large role during New Year festivities in the UK. 12 The Big Ben clock tower also has a famous reputation for having accurate time-telling.
- Big Ben or The Clock Tower is the most famous landmark of London which is popularly known for its striking clock and a gigantic bell.
- Standing tall and proud at the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben serves as one of London’s most beloved and iconic landmarks.
- The largest of the tower’s five bells is the Big Ben, which weighs 13.5 long tons (13.7 tonnes; 15.1 short tons) and is named after Sir Benjamin Hall.