The Timeless Charm of Big Ben
Standing proudly at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben is not just a clock—it's a symbol of London and a piece of living history. Let's dive into the story of this iconic landmark.
A Historical Masterpiece
Big Ben originally refers to the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, a name that often encompasses the entire structure. Completed in 1859, this Gothic Revival tower was designed by Augustus Pugin, who worked closely with Charles Barry on the Palace of Westminster. Its clock was a groundbreaking achievement for its time, famed for its impressive accuracy and the sheer size of its dials, which are nearly seven meters in diameter. The tower itself stands over 96 meters tall, a testament to the architectural ambitions of Victorian Britain. As you gaze up at the intricate details, you’re not just looking at a clock but at a milestone in both engineering and design.
The Sound of London
One can't talk about Big Ben without mentioning its chimes. The sound of the Great Bell has been the backdrop to countless historical events and daily life in London. Whether you’re walking along the Thames or sipping tea in a nearby café, the resonant toll of Big Ben can be heard marking the passage of time. Interestingly, the clock's chime melody, famously known as the Westminster Quarters, was originally written for the University Church of St Mary the Great in Cambridge. A visit to Big Ben is an auditory experience as much as a visual one, creating a connection with the rhythms of the city through its iconic sound.
Fun Facts
- Big Ben was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, a large man who was London's Commissioner of Works when the bell was installed.
- The clock mechanism weighed about five tons when first installed, and it still requires periodic winding by hand.
- During World War II, the clock ran five minutes slow due to damage from a German bombing raid.