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“Big Ben” is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. The bell is housed in the iconic clock tower, officially known as the Elizabeth Tower. The nickname “Big Ben” is believed to have originated from Sir Benjamin Hall, the Commissioner of Works when the tower was completed in 1859. However, there are also other theories suggesting that it may have been named after a heavyweight boxer or a well-known London builder. Regardless of the exact origin, “Big Ben” has become synonymous with the clock tower and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

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When you think of London, England, what image comes to mind? If you’re like many people, you probably imagine the famous Clock Tower at the Palace of Westminster. Featured in numerous movies and photographs, the Clock Tower has become a well-known symbol of London and England.

The Clock Tower, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, showcases four large clock faces. It was once the largest four-faced clock globally, but that title now belongs to the Allen-Bradley Clock Tower in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Clock Tower also houses bells that chime every fifteen minutes, with the largest bell, known as the “Great Bell,” chiming every hour on the hour.

Many London residents refer to the Clock Tower, the clocks, and the Great Bell collectively as “Big Ben.” However, it’s important to note that Big Ben is only the nickname of the Great Bell.

There are different theories about how the Great Bell acquired the nickname Big Ben. Some believe it was named after Benjamin Caunt, a boxer who was the English Heavyweight Champion.

Others argue that the Great Bell was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw the installation of the bell. Since Sir Benjamin Hall’s name is engraved on the Great Bell, it is widely believed that he is the most likely source of the nickname.

The Great Bell truly lives up to its Big Ben nickname. It measures over 7 feet tall and over 9 feet wide, weighing an astonishing 13.5 tons!

The bell first chimed in July 1859 but cracked just two months later. To repair the bell, a small piece of metal was chipped from the rim around the crack.

The bell was then rotated an eighth of a turn to avoid striking the cracked area. Since then, the cracked bell has remained in the Clock Tower, chiming with a unique sound.

Completed on April 10, 1858, the Clock Tower stands at a height of 316 feet, equivalent to approximately 16 stories. Its structure is made of brick, limestone, and a cast iron spire frame.

The Clock Tower features four clocks designed by Augustus Pugin. The clocks’ dials are mounted on a 23-foot iron frame.

The dials consist of 312 pieces of opal glass, similar to stained-glass windows. Each clock dial displays the Latin phrase DOMINE SALVAM FAC REGINAM NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM, which translates to “O Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria the First.”

Londoners eagerly await Big Ben’s chimes on New Year’s Eve, as they mark the beginning of each new year. The chimes also ring at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to commemorate Remembrance Day, which marks the end of World War I in 1918.

The Clock Tower’s clocks are renowned for their reliability. They have only been silenced and the clock faces darkened during times of war, such as World War I and World War II, to prevent enemy attacks.

Give It a Try

Do you want to experience Big Ben for yourself? No need to travel to London. Just click below to see the Clock Tower and hear the chimes:

If the chimes of Big Ben have inspired you, try making your own bell using one of these simple ideas:

Big Ben

FAQ

1. Why is it called “Big Ben”?

The nickname “Big Ben” is commonly used to refer to the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. However, the origin of the name is still a subject of debate. One theory suggests that it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the Commissioner of Works during the time of its construction. Another theory suggests that it was named after Benjamin Caunt, a heavyweight boxer who was known for his size and strength. Regardless of its origin, the name “Big Ben” has become synonymous with the iconic clock tower and is recognized worldwide.

2. How old is Big Ben?

Big Ben, the clock tower, was completed in 1859, making it over 160 years old. The Great Bell, also known as Big Ben, was cast in 1856 and was installed in the clock tower shortly after its completion. Over the years, the clock tower has become one of the most famous landmarks in London and a symbol of British heritage and timekeeping.

3. How tall is Big Ben?

The clock tower commonly known as Big Ben stands at a height of 96 meters (315 feet). The tower features a neo-Gothic architectural style and is made primarily of brick and stone. It consists of four clock faces, each measuring about 7 meters (23 feet) in diameter. The tower’s impressive height and intricate design contribute to its iconic status and popularity among tourists and locals alike.

4. Is Big Ben the same as the Elizabeth Tower?

While commonly referred to as Big Ben, the iconic clock tower is officially known as the Elizabeth Tower. The name was changed in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, marking her 60 years on the throne. The Great Bell within the tower is still referred to as Big Ben, but the tower itself is now officially called the Elizabeth Tower.

5. Does Big Ben refer to the clock or the bell?

The term “Big Ben” is often used interchangeably to refer to both the clock tower and the Great Bell within it. However, strictly speaking, Big Ben refers to the Great Bell. The clock tower itself is officially known as the Elizabeth Tower. Nevertheless, due to its worldwide recognition, the term “Big Ben” is commonly used to represent the clock tower as a whole.

6. Can you visit Big Ben?

While Big Ben is an iconic landmark, access to the clock tower is limited. The tower is not open to the general public for visits or tours. However, visitors can still admire the tower from the outside and take photographs. The nearby Palace of Westminster, which houses the UK Parliament, offers guided tours that provide insights into the history and architecture of the building. So, while you can’t visit Big Ben itself, you can still experience the grandeur of its surroundings.