#BIG BEN TOWER LOCATION CRACKED#

The clock was to be the largest and most accurate in the world at the time, and a tower was needed to house it. The idea for the clock tower came about in the mid-19th century when it was decided that a clock should be installed in the new Palace of Westminster. The tower is also commonly referred to as Big Ben, which is actually the nickname of the tower’s largest bell. The tower was originally called the Clock Tower, but it was renamed in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. One of the most distinctive features of the Palace of Westminster is the clock tower, which is officially known as the Elizabeth Tower. The current palace was designed by architect Charles Barry and was completed in 1870.

The only surviving part of the original palace is Westminster Hall, which dates back to the 11th century. The original palace was built in the 11th century, but it was destroyed by a fire in 1834. The Palace of Westminster, which houses the Houses of Parliament, has a long and fascinating history. In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, and significance of this British icon. The iconic chimes of Big Ben, ringing out every hour, have become a symbol of British tradition, history, and culture. Standing tall at 96 meters, this impressive structure has been an integral part of London’s skyline for over 150 years. In 2008 a survey of 2,000 people found that the tower was the most popular landmark in the United Kingdom.Big Ben, the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in London, and indeed, the world. Six million people visit London each year, and most of them will visit Westminster and see the clock tower. Since 2003, it tilts by almost a millimeter per year. This is due to some tunnel excavation close by. The clock tower is actually a little slanted and leans slightly towards the northwest by 8.66 inches. The clock faces are cleaned every 5 years using.A group of window washers rappels down the belfry down to the faces and have to be careful not to break the glass panes or lean on the hands. Naturally, it rings in the new year every year for London.īig Ben chimes every fifteen minutes and can be heard for up to 8 kilometers (5 miles) around. The first radio broadcast of Big Ben’s chimes was to ring in the new year of 1924. The clock gains 2/5 of a second a day from each penny added. If the clock is running slow, a penny is removed from the pendulum. If the clock is running fast, a penny is added to the pendulum. The clock mechanism itself was designed by Edmund Beckett Denison, who was not actually a clockmaker, but a lawyer.Įvery year the clock is adjusted using an old English penny. The clock and dials were designed by Augustus Pugin. The clock dials are set in an iron frame 7 meters (23 feet) in diameter, supporting 312 pieces of opal glass, rather like a stained-glass window(on each side).Įach clock face has an inscription in Latin in gold that reads “ DOMINE SALVAM FAC REGINAM NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM” or “ Oh Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria the First”. By contrast the minute hand is 4.3 meters (14 feet) long. There is no elevator installed.īig Ben’s clock is the biggest four faced clock on the planet. To reach the top one must climb 334 steps. The tower’s interior is not usually open to the public except on certain occasions. Measurements show the inner volume is 4,650 cubic meters (164,200 cubic feet). The clock faces are about 55 m (180 ft) over the ground. It is 4 meters (13 feet) deep underground. The raft is made up of concrete 3 meters (9.8 feet) thick. The tower is set on a square raft measuring 15 meters (49 feet). The rest of the tower is made up of cast iron. The first 61 m (200 ft) at the bottom are comprised of brickwork and Anston limestone cladding. The size of Big Ben (including the tower) is 96.3 meters (315.9 feet). The tower is officially known as Elizabeth Tower, renamed as such to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II (prior to being renamed in 2012 it was known as the “Clock Tower” or St. It is situated some 61 meters (200 feet) up the belfry.

#BIG BEN TOWER LOCATION CRACKED#

The bell cracked however, and had to be replaced by another one weighing 13 tons.

Big ben tower location