Big Ben Clock Tower

Big Ben is the nickname given to the famous bell inside the clock tower standing on the river Thames at the north end of the houses of parliament in London. Sometimes this nickname is also used to refer to the clock or even the whole tower.

The structure was commissioned when the decision was made to rebuild the parliament houses in 1844, several years after a disastrous fire. Charles Barry was the architect in charge of the building design, and Edmund Beckett Denison designed the clock itself. The giant timepiece went into service in 1859.

The clock tower is approximately 315 feet tall, Each number is about 2 feet high, the dials are approximately 24 feet square, and the enormous minute hands are 14 feet long. The clock is designed with four faces, and it is well known for keeping great time.

The first bell was a 16 ton monster, but it cracked almost immediately, and some of the metal from that casting was reused to make a 13 ton bell. Unfortunately, the new bell also cracked within two months of being added. The crack was repaired after 3 years, but ever since that time, it has had an odd sound in its chiming.

Big Ben is one of the most famous and beloved landmarks in England and one of the tallest clock towers in the world. The tower is not open to the public, but it is possible to make arrangements for permission to climb to the top in certain special situations.

Along with attractions like Hyde Park and London Bridge, Big Ben is a popular destination for tourists staying in London. Many visitors like to view the clock tower from the comfort of a London Eye capsule.