The Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834. In 1844, it was decided the new buildings for the Houses of Parliament should include a tower and a clock. A massive bell was required and the first attempt (made by John Warner & Sons at Stockton-on-Tees) cracked irreparably. The metal was melted down and the bell recast in Whitechapel in 1858.
Big Ben is the name given to the massive bell inside the clock tower, which weighs more than 13 tons (13,760 kg). The clock tower looks spectacular at night when the four clock faces are illuminated. Elizabeth Tower stands at more than 96 metres (105yrds) tall, with 334 steps to climb up to the belfry and 399 steps to the Ayrton Light at the very top of the tower.
Big Ben fact
- Each dial is seven metres in diameter.
- The minute hands are 4.2 metres long (14ft) and weigh about 100kg (220lbs, including counterweights).
- The numbers are approximately 60cm (23in) long.
- There are 312 pieces of glass in each clock dial.
- A special light above the clock faces is illuminated when parliament is in session
When was Big Ben built?
The palace of westminster became destroyed by fire in 1834. In 1844, it turned into determined the new buildings for the houses of parliament need to consist of a tower and a clock.
A big bell became required and the primary attempt (made by john warner & sons at stockton-on-tees) cracked irreparably. The steel became melted down and the bell recast in whitechapel in 1858. Large ben first rang across westminster on 31 may additionally 1859.
A brief time later, in september 1859, big ben cracked. A lighter hammer become geared up and the bell circled to give an undamaged phase to the hammer. This is the bell as we pay attention it today.
Highlights
The massive ben has fallen silent for the first time in its 157 years of just about non-stop timekeeping. The long-lasting landmark is being restored and repaired, and will begin sounding its famous chimes until 2021. But, the structure nevertheless stands and whilst you may not be able to synchronise your watch to the sound, there is a good deal that you could see and enjoy across the huge ben.
The homes of parliament
attached to the clock tower that houses large ben is the houses of parliament, and the excellent element is that visitors are welcome. If the house of commons or residence of lords are in session, the general public can go inside and take a seat within the public galleries.
Westminster abbey
the westminster abbey is open for services on sundays and the general public can worship right here free of fee. Step internal and spot wherein british monarchs had been topped for hundreds of years. This is additionally wherein will and kate exchanged their heartfelt vows.
Westminster bridge
the westminster bridge offers you first rate views while you stroll along it. Prevent and recognize the parliament, the strand, whitehall, south financial institution, and the london eye, while allowing the sounds and scents of london to clean over you.
Churchill struggle rooms
in case you revel in a chunk of records you’ll actually get a kick out of visiting the underground bunker in which winston churchill worked and once in a while lived at some point of international struggle ii. Do go to the map room which has been untouched for the reason that day the lighting had been switched off in 1945.
Household cavalry museum
like horses? Take a brief experience to the unique 18th century stables and watch the cavalry guards paintings on their horses (through a glazed partition). If you time your go to correctly, you may see the converting of the queen’s lifestyles defend at eleven am, which takes vicinity each day on horse guards parade.
St margaret’s church
that is a first-rate 16th century constructing with medieval and present day stained glass. It sits among westminster abbey and the houses of parliament.
Jewel tower
many travelers pass over traveling this easy, 3-storey shape. Sitting throughout the street from the enforcing homes of parliament, this 14th century tower boasts of a stunning, untouched 14th century ribbed vault. We especially suggest making that brief experience throughout the road from the principle westminster parliament homes to this shape.
The excellent courtroom
the ideal court is thought to be the highest court docket within the united kingdom. It’s miles located within the former middlesex guildhall, a putting stone shape constructed by means of scottish architect james s gibson with decorative external sculptures by way of henry fehr.
Downing street
high-quality acknowledged for the house at 10, downing road, this region is at the heart of westminster and of path, british politics. Unfortunately, it’s miles closed to members of the public. You may peer past the cautiously guarded gated and armed police to attempt to get a glimpse of the prime minister.
Whitehall
as you stroll in addition from downing street, you may input whitehall, a ancient london street which runs from parliament square at westminster to trafalgar square. This is, quite actually, the centre of the british authorities as many departmental and ministerial homes are placed on either aspect.
