Peering up at this magnificent structure what do you see? You see Elizabeth Tower. It is more commonly known as Big Ben. However Big Ben is actually the nickname for the Great Bell inside.
Let’s learn about the Elizabeth Tower. It stands tall at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. It is a British cultural icon. The Elizabeth Tower symbolizes the United Kingdom and parliamentary democracy.
Originally called the Clock Tower. It was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012. This renaming celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The tower was designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin. They used a Perpendicular Gothic Revival style. Construction began in 1843 and finished in 1859.
The Elizabeth Tower reaches 316 feet high. That is 96 meters. Its base is square. It measures 40 feet on each side. The climb to the belfry involves 334 steps.
The clock inside Elizabeth Tower is famous for its accuracy. Edmund Beckett Denison and George Airy designed it. Edward John Dent and Frederick Dent constructed it. You can adjust the clock’s time. Add or remove pre-decimal pennies from the pendulum.
The Great Bell inside weighs 13.5 long tons. That is about 13.7 tonnes. Some say it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall. He oversaw its installation. Others believe it was named after boxer Benjamin Caunt.
There are four quarter bells too. These chime every quarter hour. The chimes play the Westminster Quarters. The melody is known worldwide.
The Elizabeth Tower leans slightly. It tilts to the north-west by about 230 mm. That’s about 9.1 inches over 55 meters. Experts say this lean will not be a problem for thousands of years.
Look up near the belfry. You will spot the Ayrton Light. This lantern lights up when the House of Commons is sitting after dark. It shines so everyone knows they are at work.
Inside the Elizabeth Tower is the Prison Room. It was last used in 1880. Charles Bradlaugh was imprisoned here. He protested against a religious oath.
Each clock dial is 22.5 feet in diameter. That is about 6.9 meters. At the base of each dial is a Latin inscription. It says “DOMINE SALVAM FAC REGINAM NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM.” This means “O Lord keep safe our Queen Victoria the First.”
During World War I the bells were silenced. The clock faces were not lit. This was to avoid guiding German Zeppelins.
In 1941 a German bombing raid damaged the Elizabeth Tower. Despite the damage the clock kept running.
From 2017 to 2021 the Elizabeth Tower underwent renovations. The bells were mostly silent. The tower received essential repairs and improvements. A lift was installed. The clock-face framework was restored to its original Prussian blue color.
Big Ben is often featured in films set in London. It shows a generic location in the country. The sound of its chimes are also iconic.
The Elizabeth Tower is a focal point for New Year celebrations. Its chimes welcome the start of the New Year. On Remembrance Day its chimes mark the two minutes of silence.
So next time you see the Elizabeth Tower remember its history. Think about its design and cultural importance. It is more than just a clock tower. It is a symbol of London and the United Kingdom.