Big Ben: History, Facts, and Things to Do in London
Big Ben is one of the most iconic landmarks in London, United Kingdom. Located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben is a huge clock tower that is a symbol of British culture and history. It is one of the most photographed tourist attractions in London, and it is a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
History of Big Ben
Big Ben was built in 1859 as part of a larger project to rebuild the Palace of Westminster after a massive fire destroyed the old building in 1834. The clock tower was designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, and it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who was the Commissioner of Works at the time.
The clock was first tested on May 31, 1859, and it has been running ever since. The clock tower is actually made up of four separate clock faces, each of which is 7 meters in diameter. The clock is also equipped with a bell that chimes every 15 minutes.
Facts About Big Ben
Big Ben is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Here are some interesting facts about the clock tower:
• Big Ben is actually the name of the bell inside the clock tower, not the tower itself. The official name of the clock tower is Elizabeth Tower.
• The clock tower is 96 meters tall and the bell inside the tower weighs 13.7 tons.
• The clock tower is the third-tallest free-standing clock tower in the world.
• The clock is accurate to within one second per day.
• The clock faces are lit up at night, making Big Ben one of the most recognizable landmarks in London.
Things to Do at Big Ben
Big Ben is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, and there are plenty of things to do at the clock tower. Here are some of the best things to do at Big Ben:
• Take a tour of the clock tower. There are guided tours of the clock tower that will take you up to the top of the tower and give you a glimpse of the inner workings of the clock.
• Take a boat ride on the River Thames. There are several boat tours that will take you past Big Ben and other famous landmarks in London.
• Visit the nearby Houses of Parliament. The Houses of Parliament are located just a few minutes away from Big Ben and they are a must-see for anyone visiting London.
• Take a photo of Big Ben. The clock tower is one of the most photographed tourist attractions in London, and it is the perfect spot to take a memorable photo.
• Visit the nearby Westminster Abbey. Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous churches in London, and it is located just a few minutes away from Big Ben.
Big Ben is one of the most iconic landmarks in London, and it is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. From its rich history to its stunning architecture, Big Ben is a symbol of British culture and history. Whether you are taking a tour of the clock tower or taking a boat ride on the River Thames, Big Ben is sure to be an unforgettable experience.