8.19.26
Big Ben is one of the most recognisable landmarks in London and one of the best-known symbols of the United Kingdom. Although the name Big Ben is commonly used to refer to the entire clock tower, it technically belongs to the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, which forms part of the Palace of Westminster.
The Elizabeth Tower was completed in 1859 as part of the new Palace of Westminster designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin. Its architecture, inspired by the Gothic Revival, has become an unmistakable part of London's skyline.
The tower rises approximately 96 metres above Westminster and contains the famous four-faced clock. Each clock face is about 7 metres in diameter, while the minute hands are more than four metres long. The stonework, decorative details and gilded elements reflect the elaborate craftsmanship of the Victorian period.
The Great Bell, popularly known as Big Ben, weighs more than 13 tonnes and is famous for its deep, distinctive chimes. It was cast in 1858 and installed in the Elizabeth Tower the following year.
The origin of the name Big Ben is not completely certain. One explanation links it to Sir Benjamin Hall, who was involved in the installation of the bell, while another refers to Benjamin Caunt, a well-known heavyweight boxer of the period.
The clock mechanism is an impressive example of nineteenth-century engineering. Its accuracy has traditionally been adjusted with remarkable simplicity by adding or removing small coins from the pendulum, allowing the clock to be finely regulated.
For more than a century, Big Ben has been part of London's daily life and has witnessed important moments in British history. Its familiar sound has accompanied national celebrations, royal occasions and periods of crisis, becoming closely associated with the identity of the capital.
During the Second World War, the Palace of Westminster was damaged by bombing, but the Elizabeth Tower survived. The continued presence of the clock and its famous chimes became a powerful symbol of continuity during a difficult period.
Today, the sound of Big Ben remains familiar to people around the world, particularly through radio and television broadcasts from London.
Between 2017 and 2022, the Elizabeth Tower underwent an extensive programme of conservation and restoration. The work included repairs to the stonework, restoration of the clock faces and maintenance of the historic clock mechanism.
The restoration also helped preserve the architectural details of the tower for future generations. The clock faces were carefully restored, revealing the traditional colours and decorative elements that had gradually become less visible over the years.
Big Ben stands beside the River Thames, in one of the most historic areas of London. From Westminster, visitors can admire the tower together with the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Bridge.
The surrounding area is particularly attractive for photography. Views from Westminster Bridge, the opposite bank of the Thames and the nearby streets provide different perspectives of the tower and its famous clock faces.
Although access to the Elizabeth Tower is subject to specific arrangements, the exterior can be admired freely from several locations around Westminster. The nearby Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the River Thames make it easy to combine a visit to Big Ben with some of London's most important landmarks.
Few landmarks represent London as immediately as Big Ben. Its silhouette has appeared in films, television programmes, books and countless photographs, becoming an internationally recognised symbol of the British capital.
More than simply a historic clock, Big Ben has become part of London's identity. Whether viewed during the day, illuminated at night or reflected in the waters of the Thames, the Elizabeth Tower remains one of the essential sights for anyone visiting the city.
• Location: Westminster, London, beside the River Thames.
• Tower: Elizabeth Tower, part of the Palace of Westminster.
• Great Bell: commonly known as Big Ben.
• Completed: 1859.
• Architectural style: Gothic Revival.
• Height: approximately 96 metres.
• Clock: four illuminated clock faces, each around 7 metres in diameter.
• Restoration: major conservation work was carried out between 2017 and 2022.
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