Big Ben is the international icon of London,
the 316 foot clock tower was completed in 1858.
Big Ben itself is the name of the 14 ton bell that chimes.
Why Big Ben?
The first is that is was named after Sir Benjamin Hall,
the first commissioner of works, a large man who was
known affectionately in the house as "Big Ben". The
second theory is that it was named after a heavyweight
boxing champion at that time, Benjamin Caunt. Also
known as "Big Ben".
The Houses of Parliament and the clock tower are one
of London's iconic landmarks. The building is known as
the Palace of Westminster and the clock tower is
sometimes called St Stephen's Tower, although it is
commonly referred to as Big Ben.
A special light above the clock faces is also illuminated,
letting the public know when parliament is in session.
Big Ben's timekeeping is strictly regulated by a stack
of coins placed on the huge pendulum. Big Ben has
rarely stopped. Even after a bomb destroyed the
Commons chamber during the Second World War,
the clock tower survived and Big Ben continued to
strike the hours.
The chimes of Big Ben were first broadcast by the
BBC on 31 December 1923, a tradition that continues
to this day.
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