World's Renowned Tower Clock, Big Ben, Undergoes Repair Work
The Great Bell and Its Tower
Nestled in the heart of London, England, stands the iconic figure of Big Ben. But if you were to mention spotting this famous landmark in the city, you'd likely be met with puzzled stares. That's because Big Ben is not the name of the tower itself, but rather the nickname for the great bell within the Great Clock of Westminster.
Big Ben towers at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, its history dating back to the 19th century. Despite numerous tower clocks in the UK either being decommissioned or altered beyond recognition, the Big Ben tower clock mechanism has been ticking away continuously, taking brief pauses only for repairs.
Differentiating Turrets and Towers
When it comes to clocks atop towers, one might ponder about the exact differences between a tower clock and a turret clock. While both terms are used to describe clocks in elevated, public locations, their connotations differ slightly.
"Tower clock" is a broader term, referring to the visible aspect of the clock and associated tower features such as cupolas or domes. On the other hand, "turret clock" is a specific term for the mechanical device that drives the clockwork, often with historical and technical significance. In the UK, "turret clock" is more commonly used to describe traditional clock mechanisms in cathedrals and castles.
Facts About Big Ben
- When it was completed, Big Ben was the world's largest chiming clock.
- The tower was designed by Augustus Pugin and was finished in 1859.
- The tower stands 96 meters tall, and from the ground to the belfry, there are 334 steps.
- The base of the tower spans 12 meters square, while the clock dial measures 6.9 meters in diameter.
- The tower was renamed The Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
- The Westminster Chimes, also known as the Cambridge Chimes, originally played at Great St Mary's church in Cambridge but are now synonymous with Big Ben.
- The Great Bell weighs 13.7 tons and does not swing.
- Quarters are signaled by the chime of smaller bells.
- Big Ben is thought to be named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the Chief Commissioner of Works at the time of the bell's installation.
Experiencing Big Ben
For travelers venturing to the UK, a trip would not be complete without witnessing the iconic sight and sound of Big Ben. Not only does this grand clock tower offer a quintessential British experience, but it also captivates visitors from around the world. Standing beneath its imposing form, with the melodious tolling bells marking the passing of time, makes for a moment that will stay in your heart forever.
Digging Deeper Into Clock History
Want to know more about clocks from yesteryears? Subscribe to get the latest articles sent straight to your inbox.
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)LinkedIn • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)Tumblr • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Pinterest • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Reddit • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)WhatsApp • Click to share on X (Opens in new window)X
Related- Back from the UK: Updates and Catching Up- Milestones in Horology- Ypres Cloth Hall Tower Clock: A Symbol of Resilience
Big Ben's vintage clock, a symbol of resilience and history, offers an unparalleled lifestyle experience for home-and-garden enthusiasts, merging the tranquility of home settings with the grandiosity of travel. Delve deeper into the rich heritage of these timekeepers, exploring the world of horology through our informative articles, available in your inbox.
