Big Ben The Bell Within The Clock Tower That Never Stops

Big Ben – The Bell Within The Clock Tower That Never Stops

Big Ben was constructed after the fire at The Palace of Westminster in 1834. Ten years later, the new buildings that were constructed included a tower and a clock, which of course, was Big Ben. With that clock came a bell and on May 31, 1859, the first bell sound rang from the clock.

Big Ben is one of the most famous landmarks located in London. The BBC showed the chimes on television on December 31, 1923. Ever since then, the BBC has made it a tradition to do that. In 1941, while the World War II was going on, the Commons chamber in the Houses of Parliament destroyed by a bomb.

Even with that, Big Ben did not suffer any damages or loss of time. It kept going as though nothing happened. It continued to make that unusual sound and helped people to realize that it was still working in spite of what happened.

There are four dials on the clock, with the minute hand measuring at 14 feet long and the dials measuring 23 feet square and there are also figures that stand two feet high. Big Ben continues to work tirelessly day and night.

Speaking of night, during this time you can see the vivid illumination of the clock faces. In addition to that, there is an indicator to let you know when Parliament is in session. The clock face will have a special light shining upon it.

Big Ben keeps time by a bunch of coins that is put on the pendulum. This method helps the clock to continue working round the clock. This clock is so unique that it contains cells inside the tower. If any Parliament member breaches a privilege, they can be locked up.

Even though it's been said that the clock gave birth after the fire, it's really not certain where the name Big Ben originated from. Some people say that it was named in honor of the first Commissioner of Works, Sir Benjamin Hall. He had a large stature and therefore, people referred to him as "Big Ben".

Others have said that it was named after Benjamin Caunt, who was a wrestling champion. In addition to that, anyone (male) who others felt was the largest person around was also referred to as "Big Ben".

Even though the clock tower is sometimes referred to as St. Stephen's Tower, most people refer to it as Big Ben. When people talk about Big Ben, they are really referring to the large bell that is inside the clock tower, not the clock tower itself. The large bell alone has a massive weight of over 13 tons.

As much as people would like to see the inside of the clock tower and the large bell, it is not open to the general public. Unfortunately, tourists aren't allowed to view it, either. However, if you are a local, you are allowed to set up a tour. Locals have to ask for this in writing to the House of Commons in advance. It's best to try and give as much of an advanced notice as possible.