![]() *The Story of Big Ben: Great little site with information from the foundry that cast the Big Ben bell in 1858 (and also the U.S.A.’s Liberty Bell in 1752). The tower is often colloquially referred to as Big Ben, which is actually the nickname of the main bell housed within the tower (formally known as the Great. During the Summer Recess the Palace of Westminster, home to the House of Lords and the House of Commons is open for a one hour guided tour, which includes both Chambers and other great State Rooms. Beware, MPs have absurdly long holidays or “recesses”. You can visit the Houses of Parliament to watch proceedings from the public gallery. The spire that rises above the belfry is built with an iron frame, and it is this frame which supports the weight of the bells. However, the consensus today seems to be that it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall*, a (literally) weighty politician of the time who was the Parliamentary Commissioner of Works.Īlso known as The Palace of Westminster, The Houses of Parliament incorporates The House of Commons (destroyed in WW2, rebuilt 1950), The House of Lords & Westminster Hall. One theory has it that the bell was named after a popular heavyweight boxer Benjamin Caunt. Browse 31,500+ big ben stock photos and images available, or search for london or think big to find more great stock photos and pictures. “Big Ben” does not refer to the whole clocktower, but to the huge thirteen ton bell that strikes the hour. Technically, Big Ben is the name given to the massive bell inside the clock tower, which weighs more than 13 tons (13,760 kg). UKP 2,401 for casting the bell (However this was offset to the sum of UKP 1,829 by the metal reclaimed from a previous bell so that the actual invoice submitted, on 28thīuy tickets for a tour of Westminster, see Big Ben up close and by river > The Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower, commonly called Big Ben, are among London's most iconic landmarks and must-see London attractions. George Mears, then the master bellfounder and owner of the foundry. The 320 foot tall clock tower is lovingly known as Big Ben, which is actually the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of. Big Ben Facts and Figures:ĩ′-0″ diameter, 7′-6″ high, and weighing in at 13 tons 10 cwts 3 qtrs 15lbs (13,760 Kg).īig Ben was cast on Saturday 10th April 1858, with the first chime rung in situ on 31st May 1859. Beacon of “the mother of all Parliaments”, Big Ben is possibly London’s most famous landmark.
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