Big Ben is an historical landmark attracting Londoners and its visitors alike. It can be found at the top of St. Stephen’s Tower on the northeastern edge of the Houses of Parliament building in Westminster, London. Interestingly, Big Ben is the name given to the giant main bell structure housed in the Clock Tower.
A bit of Big Ben’s history
The old palace of Westminster was burned down in a fire in 1834. Big Ben (or the at least the tower) came to life in the rebuild and was designed by Charles Barry. However, interestingly, Big Ben wasn’t the first bell installed in St. Stephen’s tower but a replacement after the first was cracked in the install. The historic loud big ben’s sound was first heard all over London in July 1859. There is also four Quarter Bells in the tower with Big Ben.
Why do we call it Big Ben?
You might wonder why the builders named the giant bell in the Clock Tower as Big Ben. Initially they had decided to call it “Victoria” in honor of the Queen. However, there were two great men who were also very popular at the time. Benjamin Caunt, a heavy-weight champion Boxer and Sir Benjamin Hall, a Commissioner of Public Works in the Parliament. The latter had his name inscribed on the original bell that cracked and needed to be replaced. The English people had gotten used to call the bell “Big Ben” rather than “Victoria”, and that’s what we call it today.
Big Ben’s Latest Happenings
Big Ben is a great timekeeper used to ring everybody in for the London New Year’s Celebration. All the English people come and meet here to witness the grandiose fireworks blast. It’s also used to chime the bells on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to honor the Remembrance Day when World War 1 ended. BBC World Service even broadcasts this each year.
In 2009, Big Ben celebrated its 150th anniversary. The countless appearance of Big Ben in various films recently in Big Ben Strikes Again episode of Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons has truly marked the rich London heritage. On 15th of September 2012, all Brits are excited for the United Kingdom’s toughest triathlon popularly known as the Big Ben Nevis Triathlon. It is amazing how Big Ben stands out being a powerful icon both of London and the United Kingdom.
Big Ben Tour
If you want to see the big bell up close there are tours available. You can climb up the 334 spiral steps to hear Big Ben ring in another hour. Tours are at set times of 9.15am, 11.15am and 2.15pm Monday – Friday but have to be pre booked. UK residents should contact their local MP for more information.
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