- 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.
- The name “Big Ben” originally just applied to the bell but later came to refer to the clock itself. Two main stories exist about how Big Ben got its name.
- 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.
- While the bells have been silent during the refurbishment, typically Big Ben chimes every hour on the hour, and the four smaller bells chime on the 15-minute marks.
- Aside from numerous appearances in films, Big Ben is also very popular among tourists and in fact one of the most popular tourist attraction in the United Kingdom.
- 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.
- There were plenty more ups and downs at Westminster, including a fire, but ultimately Big Ben’s clock face began ticking in 1859.
- Most people are surprised to learn that Big Ben is not the landmark clock which adjoins London's Houses of Parliament.
- Big Ben is not the name of the clock tower, it is the name of the 15.1-ton bell inside the tower that chimes every hour.
- 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!