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Big Ben

Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. The tower itself is officially known as the Elizabeth Tower, renamed to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee (60th anniversary of her accession to the throne) of Queen Elizabeth II in 2012. The origin of the nickname is the cause of some debate; as the nickname first referred to the bell, it is thought that it may have been named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw the installation of the bell. “Big Ben” was also the nickname of the then-champion heavyweight boxer Ben Caunt, which could be the origin of the name. The tower was designed by architect Charles Barry and built between 1843 and 1859. The clock mechanism was designed by clockmaker Edmund Beckett Denison and built by clockmaker Edward John Dent. The clock first began keeping time on September 7, 1859. The Great Bell, which weighs over 13 tons, was cast by George Mears at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. One of the most famous aspects of Big Ben is its accuracy. The clock has been keeping accurate time since its installation, with only minor adjustments made over the years. The clock's pendulum is adjusted by adding or removing small weights, and the clock's hands are adjusted by moving small levers.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Big Ben is also an iconic symbol of London and the United Kingdom. The clock tower can be seen in many images of the city and is often used as a symbol of London in advertising and tourism campaigns. Big Ben has been featured in many films and television shows and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take tours of the tower, but access to the clock mechanism itself is limited. The tower is also home to the largest four-faced chiming clock in the world, and the bells can be heard from several miles away. The surrounding area of Big Ben, also known as the Palace of Westminster, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the British government. The palace is located on the north bank of the River Thames and is a short walk from famous London landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace. The palace is also close to the London Underground stations of Westminster and St. James's Park. There is also a fun fact that the clock's tower was originally intended to be called "The King's Tower" but was renamed "The Victoria Tower" in honor of Queen Victoria, who had ascended the throne just before construction started. Also, the clock tower has been undergoing renovation since 2017, and renovations have limited access, but it should reopen to tourists soon.