- 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.
- The origin of the name ‘Big Ben’ is not clear, but it may have been named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw the installation of the Great Bell.
- When one speaks of visiting London, Big Ben is a must-see. This four-faced freestanding clock is the third largest clock tower in the world.
- Officially "Big Ben" does not refer to the clock tower but instead to the huge thirteen ton Great Bell located at the top of the 320-foot-high tower.
- We then went up to the clock tower. You stand within a couple of meters of Big Ben. They give you ear protectors. We saw it chime at 17.00.
- 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.
- The name “Big Ben” actually refers to the bell, which weighs 15.1 tons, but most people use it to talk about the whole clock tower.
- These 90-minute tours of Big Ben take you up the Elizabeth Tower, behind the clock faces, and into the belfry to see Big Ben itself.
- 2. Big Ben's clock tower has gone by several names. Even though it has assumed the Big Ben moniker, the tower has its own official name.
- 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.