Big Ben

The Iconic Clock Tower of London

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The History of Big Ben

The story of Big Ben began with tragedy: on 16th October 1834, a devastating fire destroyed the old Palace of Westminster, home to the British Parliament. When rebuilding commenced, Parliament decided the new palace should feature a clock tower with extraordinarily precise timekeeping.

At the time, public clocks played a vital role in daily life—pocket watches were luxury items, and ordinary citizens relied on "knocker-uppers" who tapped on windows to wake workers each morning. The government set an ambitious goal: these new timepieces would be the most accurate tower clock in the world, with precision to within one second for each hourly chime.

The palace was designed by architect Charles Barry in the Gothic Revival style, whilst the clock tower itself was entrusted to his colleague Augustus Pugin. Construction of the tower began in 1843, but the clock mechanism took seven years to develop due to the unprecedented accuracy requirements.

The clockwork was designed by talented amateur chronometer-maker Edmund Beckett Denison (later Lord Grimthorpe) in collaboration with the Astronomer Royal Sir George Airy, and crafted by renowned clockmaker Edward John Dent.

1834

The Great Fire

A devastating fire destroys the old Palace of Westminster, creating the need for complete reconstruction of the parliamentary buildings.

1843

Construction Begins

Work starts on the new Gothic Revival palace, with plans for an ambitious clock tower featuring the world's most accurate public timepiece.

1856

First Bell Cast

The original 16-ton bell is cast at Stockton-on-Tees, but cracks during testing and must be recast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry.

1858

Great Bell Arrives

The new 13.7-ton bell is transported to Westminster on a cart drawn by sixteen white horses, becoming the centrepiece of the tower.

1859

Big Ben Strikes

The clock begins keeping time on 31st May, and Big Ben first chimes on 11th July, marking the official birth of London's most famous timekeeper.

1859

Early Setback

Just months after first striking, the Great Bell develops a crack. Rather than recasting, it's rotated and fitted with a lighter hammer, giving Big Ben its distinctive tone.

The Name's Origin

The name "Big Ben" originally referred only to the Great Bell itself, not the clock or tower. The most widely accepted theory is that it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the hefty Commissioner of Works who oversaw the project—his name is actually engraved on the bell. An alternative theory suggests it was named after heavyweight boxing champion Benjamin Caunt, who was famous at the time.

Contemporary Victorian newspapers praised the new clock as the "prince of all chronometers: the largest and most accurate four-faced striking clock in the world." This reputation for reliability would endure for decades, establishing Big Ben as a symbol of British precision and dependability.

Architecture & Clock Mechanism

The Tower

The Elizabeth Tower stands 96 metres (315 feet) tall and was designed in the Gothic Revival style, harmonising beautifully with the façades of the Palace of Westminster. The tower's brickwork is clad in sand-coloured Anston limestone, giving it its distinctive appearance that has become synonymous with London itself.

The tower leans slightly to the northwest by approximately 230 millimetres (9.1 inches) due to settlement of the ground beneath it and underground construction work, including the Jubilee line extension. However, engineers assure us this gradual movement poses no structural concern.

The Clock Faces

Four magnificent clock faces, each 6.9 metres (23 feet) in diameter, grace all sides of the tower at a height of 55 metres above ground. These faces are crafted from cast iron frames filled with opal glass panels—312 pieces of glass per face. Above each dial, a Latin inscription reads: "DOMINE SALVAM FAC REGINAM NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM" (Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria the First).

Clock faces, one on each side of the tower

Feet in diameter for each clock face

13.7

Tonnes - weight of the Great Bell (Big Ben)

334

Steps to climb from ground to the belfry

The Clock Mechanism

The heart of Big Ben is a magnificent Victorian-era clockwork mechanism occupying an entire room within the tower. It operates on the principle of a pendulum clock with a double three-legged gravity escapement—a significant 19th-century innovation in horology.

The 4-metre pendulum completes a half-swing every 2 seconds, whilst the entire mechanism weighs approximately 5 tonnes. The clock requires winding by hand three times weekly, a task that takes the tower's clocksmiths roughly 1.5 hours each time.

Remarkably, the clock's accuracy is regulated using old British pennies placed on the pendulum. Adding a single penny speeds up the clock by 0.4 seconds per day, allowing the keepers to maintain precision within a couple of seconds per week—an outstanding achievement for 19th-century mechanical timepieces.

Precision Engineering

The mechanism was designed to meet an unprecedented requirement: the first strike of each hour must be accurate to within one second of Greenwich Mean Time.

Continuous Care

A dedicated team of clocksmiths monitors the timepiece around the clock, ready to intervene at any moment should the slightest irregularity occur.

Victorian Innovation

The double three-legged gravity escapement was a cutting-edge design that dramatically improved accuracy compared to earlier tower clocks.

The Bells

The tower houses five bells in total. The Great Bell, universally known as Big Ben, weighs 13.7 tonnes and stands 2.2 metres tall. Its deep, resonant tone can be heard across Westminster and beyond, striking every hour on the hour.

Four smaller quarter bells chime at 15, 30, and 45 minutes past each hour, playing the famous Westminster Quarters melody. This 20-note tune, based on a theme from Handel's oratorio "I know that my Redeemer liveth," has become one of the most recognisable melodies in the world.

The Great Bell was cast by the renowned Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1858. After the original bell cracked during testing, this second bell has been in service ever since, though it too developed a crack in September 1859. Rather than replacing it again, the bell was rotated and fitted with a lighter hammer, giving Big Ben its distinctive, slightly off-key tone that Londoners have cherished for over 160 years.

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Great Bell (Big Ben)

13.7 tonnes • Strikes hourly

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Quarter Bell 1

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Quarter Bell 2

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Quarter Bell 3

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Quarter Bell 4

Key Events in Big Ben's History

1859

First Chimes

Big Ben strikes for the first time on 11th July 1859. However, just months later in September, the Great Bell develops a crack. Rather than being replaced, it was rotated and continues to chime with its distinctive, slightly off-key tone that Londoners have cherished ever since.

1878

First Weather Stop

The first documented instance of Big Ben stopping due to weather conditions occurs during a severe winter snowfall, which interferes with the clock hands' movement—a reminder that even the most reliable timepiece can be challenged by British weather.

1916

WWI Silence

During the Great War, Big Ben's chimes are silenced and the clock faces darkened at night to prevent German Zeppelins from using the illuminated tower as a navigational aid. The bells resume striking on 11th November 1918 at 11:00 to mark the Armistice.

1923

BBC Radio Debut

The BBC begins broadcasting Big Ben's chimes to mark the New Year, starting a beloved tradition. For the first time, the entire nation can hear the famous bongs together, making Big Ben's voice a unifying sound across Britain and later, the world.

1941

Blitz Survival

During the Blitz, a bomb explodes near the tower, damaging two clock faces and the roof. Despite the destruction around Westminster, the clockwork mechanism continues to function, symbolising British resilience during the darkest hours of WWII.

1962

New Year Mishap

A memorable New Year's Eve when heavy snowfall causes the pendulum to slow down. Big Ben strikes midnight 10 minutes late, much to the amusement of revellers and BBC listeners—proving that even Britain's most reliable timekeeper isn't immune to a proper British snowfall!

1976

Major Breakdown

After 117 years of faithful service, Big Ben suffers its first and only major mechanical failure when the speed regulator breaks. The clock remains silent for nearly 9 months—the longest interruption in its history—whilst extensive repairs are carried out.

2012

Elizabeth Tower

The Clock Tower is officially renamed "Elizabeth Tower" to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, though most Britons continue to call it Big Ben—a testament to how deeply the nickname has become embedded in our national consciousness.

2017

The Great Restoration

Big Ben falls silent as the most extensive restoration in its 160-year history begins. The £80 million project will take four years, with the bells ringing only for special occasions like New Year's Eve and Remembrance Sunday, leaving London eerily quiet without its familiar hourly chimes.

2021

Triumphant Return

After years of restoration, Big Ben's scaffolding is finally removed, revealing the tower's original Victorian colour scheme. The Prussian blue clock faces and gleaming stonework mark a spectacular return to form, with regular chiming resuming in 2022 to the delight of Londoners and visitors alike.

2023

Doors Open to All

For the first time in its 164-year history, Elizabeth Tower opens its doors to international visitors. Previously restricted to UK residents via MP applications, tourists from around the world can now book tours to climb the 334 steps and experience Big Ben's majesty firsthand.

Restoration & Current State

Between 2017 and 2022, Big Ben underwent its most extensive restoration in its 160-year history—a £79.7 million project that has brought the tower back to its former Victorian splendour whilst ensuring its survival for future generations.

What Was Restored

✓ The entire clock mechanism was dismantled piece by piece and meticulously cleaned for the first time since installation
✓ All four clock faces were restored to their original Prussian blue colour with gleaming gold accents and numerals
✓ 5,334 pieces of the stone façade were carefully repaired or replaced using traditional techniques
✓ A new energy-efficient LED lighting system was installed to illuminate the clock faces whilst reducing environmental impact
✓ A lift was discreetly added to improve accessibility, complementing the historic 334-step spiral staircase
✓ The cast iron roof was completely restored and 2,567 roof tiles were replaced to ensure weatherproofing
✓ All 1,296 pieces of opal glass in the clock faces were renewed, improving visibility and durability
✓ Hidden bomb damage from 1941 was discovered and properly repaired for the first time

Unexpected Discoveries

The restoration revealed fascinating secrets hidden within the tower. Layers of soot and black paint were carefully removed from the clock faces, unveiling the original vibrant Prussian blue that had been concealed for decades. The project also uncovered greater structural damage from the 1941 Blitz than previously known, along with hazardous materials like asbestos and lead paint that required specialist removal.

During Restoration

After Restoration

£79.7m

Total Cost

4 Years

Duration

160+

Years Since Last Major Work

Current Appearance

Today, Big Ben looks more vibrant and spectacular than many visitors might remember. The restoration has revealed the tower's original Victorian grandeur, with brilliant Prussian blue clock faces that gleam magnificently in the sunlight, complemented by gilded details that catch the eye from across Westminster.

The stonework has been returned to its original sandy colour through careful cleaning, whilst the cast iron roof and decorative elements have been restored to their 19th-century specifications. The tower now stands as a testament to both Victorian engineering excellence and modern conservation expertise.

Perhaps most remarkably, the clock's accuracy has been improved through the restoration. After more than 160 years of faithful service, Big Ben now keeps even better time than when it was first installed, combining traditional mechanical precision with contemporary maintenance techniques.

Modern Improvements

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Enhanced Accessibility

New lift installation for maintenance and special access requirements

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LED Lighting

Energy-efficient illumination that enhances the tower's evening appearance

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Original Colours

Prussian blue and gold colour scheme restored to Victorian authenticity

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Structural Integrity

Hidden damage repaired and stonework strengthened for the future

Did You Know?

During the restoration, specialists discovered that what many believed to be the clock face's "traditional" black colour was actually layers of soot and grime accumulated over more than a century! The original vibrant Prussian blue had been hidden beneath decades of London's industrial pollution, and its restoration has given Big Ben a dramatically more colourful appearance that reflects its true Victorian heritage.

Visiting Big Ben

Practical Guide

When to Visit

Big Ben strikes on the hour, every hour, with the quarter bells chiming at 15, 30, and 45 minutes past. Early morning (8-10am) or evening (7-9pm) offer fewer crowds and lovely lighting for photography.

Getting There

Nearest Tube: Westminster (Jubilee, District, Circle lines) - just 2-3 minutes' walk. Buses: Numerous routes stop at Parliament Square. Address: Westminster, London SW1A 0AA

Tower Tours

Cost: £35 for adults, £20 for children (aged 11-17). Children under 11 not permitted
Duration: 90 minutes including security procedures
Booking: Online only, 3 months in advance. Tickets released second Wednesday of each month at 10:00am
Physical Requirements: 334 steps to climb - good fitness essential

Essential Tips

Arrive 30 minutes early for security procedures
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes (no sandals or high heels)
All cameras and bags must be stored in lockers before the tour
No photography permitted inside the tower
Ear protection provided when Big Ben strikes during your visit
Check weather forecast - clear days offer best views from the belfry

Viewing Experience

Best Viewing Spots

Westminster Bridge - The classic postcard view with the Thames in the foreground
Parliament Square - Up-close views of the tower's Gothic details
South Bank near London Eye - Panoramic views, especially stunning at sunset
Victoria Embankment - Perfect for evening shots with the tower's illumination
St. James's Park - More distant but beautifully framed views

Viewing Big Ben from outside is completely free and accessible 24/7. The tower is particularly magnificent at dusk when the Prussian blue clock faces are illuminated against the darkening sky, creating a truly magical sight that embodies the spirit of London.

What You'll Experience Inside

The magnificent Victorian clock mechanism in operation
All five bells, including the thunderous 13.7-tonne Great Bell
Behind-the-scenes look at the 23-foot diameter clock faces
Breathtaking views of London from the belfry windows
The famous pendulum and penny-regulation system
Unique perspective on Westminster from 96 metres high

The interior tour is an extraordinary privilege, offering access to spaces usually reserved for Parliament's clocksmiths. Standing beside Big Ben as it strikes the hour is an unforgettable experience—the sound and vibration are so powerful that ear protection is mandatory. This rare opportunity to witness Victorian engineering excellence up close makes the challenging 334-step climb thoroughly worthwhile.

Important: Tours sell out within minutes of release. UK residents can also request free tours through their MP, though spaces are extremely limited.

Accessibility & Restrictions

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Age Restrictions

Minimum age 11 years. Children under 11 are not permitted for safety reasons due to the narrow spiral staircase and intense bell volume.

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Physical Requirements

334 steps with no option to rest midway. Good physical fitness required. Lift available only for exceptional accessibility needs upon request.

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Security Measures

Airport-style security screening. All personal items stored in lockers. No photography inside. Punctuality essential - late arrivals cannot join tours.

Interesting Facts & Myths

The Name's True Origin

The name "Big Ben" originally referred only to the Great Bell inside the tower, not the clock or tower itself. It's most likely named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the hefty Commissioner of Works during its installation—his name is actually engraved on the bell. An alternative theory suggests it was named after heavyweight boxing champion Benjamin Caunt, who was famous at the time.

Penny Perfect Timekeeping

The clock's legendary accuracy is maintained using old British pennies placed on the pendulum. Adding just one penny speeds up the clock by 0.4 seconds per day, whilst removing one slows it down. This ingenious Victorian technique allows the clocksmiths to keep Big Ben accurate to within a couple of seconds per week—remarkable for 19th-century engineering!

The Cracked Bell's Character

The Great Bell cracked just months after its first chime in 1859. Rather than recasting the massive 13.7-tonne bell, it was simply rotated so the hammer would strike a different spot, and a lighter hammer was installed. This gives Big Ben its distinctive, slightly off-key tone that Londoners have cherished for over 160 years.

The Leaning Tower of Westminster

Like the Tower of Pisa, Big Ben leans slightly—approximately 0.26 degrees (about 230mm) to the northwest due to ground settlement and underground construction work, including the Jubilee line extension. However, engineers assure us it would take 4,000 to 10,000 years to become a serious structural concern!

BBC's Iconic Soundtrack

Since 1923, the BBC has broadcast Big Ben's New Year chimes, creating one of Britain's most cherished traditions. The bongs became so synonymous with British identity that during the restoration period when the bells were silenced, special arrangements were made to ensure they still rang for New Year's Eve—Britain simply couldn't start the year without them!

Wartime Resilience

During the Blitz, Big Ben continued to chime despite bomb damage to the clock faces and roof. The tower's lights were extinguished during both World Wars to avoid providing navigation aids to enemy aircraft, but the bells kept striking—a defiant symbol of British resolve that could be heard across blacked-out London.

The Pigeon Problem

In 2014, maintenance staff discovered that the clock had begun running 6 seconds fast because a flock of pigeons had perched on one of the minute hands! This delightfully British problem demonstrates that even London's most reliable timekeeper can be disrupted by the capital's most persistent residents.

The Digital April Fool

A recurring April Fool's joke in Britain involves claims that Big Ben will be converted to a digital display "to move with the times." This hoax has been repeated numerous times over the decades and still manages to wind up unsuspecting listeners—proving that some British traditions are simply too sacred to tamper with!

Hidden Victorian Secrets

The recent restoration revealed that what many believed to be the clock faces' "traditional" black colour was actually decades of soot and grime! Beneath the pollution lay the original vibrant Prussian blue, giving Big Ben a dramatically more colourful appearance that reflects its true Victorian heritage.

The Snow Day Fiasco

New Year's Eve 1962 became legendary when heavy snowfall caused Big Ben's pendulum to slow down, making the clock strike midnight a full 10 minutes late! The BBC had to hastily explain to confused viewers why Britain's most reliable timekeeper had chosen the most important moment of the year to have a proper British snow day.

Climbing Activists

Big Ben has twice been scaled by Greenpeace activists—in 1984 and 2004—who managed to climb the exterior and hang protest banners, temporarily stopping the clock. These daredevil stunts highlighted environmental causes whilst proving that even one of Britain's most secure landmarks isn't entirely climb-proof!

The £80 Million Makeover

The recent restoration cost nearly three times the original estimate, ballooning from £29 million to £79.7 million when workers discovered hidden bomb damage from 1941, asbestos, lead paint, and more structural issues than anticipated. Despite the eye-watering bill, most Britons agreed that preserving this national treasure was worth every penny—literally!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Big Ben the clock or the tower?

Technically, "Big Ben" is the nickname of the Great Bell inside the tower, not the clock or tower itself. However, the name is commonly used to refer to the entire clock tower. The official name of the tower is "Elizabeth Tower" (renamed from "Clock Tower" in 2012 for Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee), though most Britons still call it Big Ben.

Can tourists go inside Big Ben?

Yes, but only through official guided tours that must be booked well in advance. Since 2023, international visitors can book tours online (previously restricted to UK residents via MP applications). Tours cost £35 for adults and £20 for children aged 11-17. Children under 11 are not permitted due to safety concerns regarding the 334-step climb and intense bell volume.

How much does it cost to visit Big Ben?

Viewing Big Ben from outside is completely free and accessible 24/7. Interior tours cost £35 for adults and £20 for children aged 11-17. UK residents can still apply for free tours through their MP, though spaces are extremely limited. Tickets are released online three months in advance on the second Wednesday of each month at 10:00am and typically sell out within minutes.

When does Big Ben chime?

Big Ben strikes on the hour, every hour, with the number of strikes corresponding to the hour (e.g., 3 strikes at 3 o'clock). The four smaller quarter bells chime at 15, 30, and 45 minutes past each hour, playing the famous Westminster Quarters melody. The full melody plays at the top of each hour, followed by Big Ben striking the hour—a sequence that's been heard across London for over 160 years.

Why was Big Ben silent during restoration?

Big Ben was largely silenced from 2017 to 2022 to protect workers' hearing during the extensive £79.7 million restoration project. The bells continued to ring for special occasions like New Year's Eve, Remembrance Sunday, and other significant national events. Regular hourly chiming resumed after the restoration was completed, much to the relief of Londoners who had sorely missed their familiar timekeeper.

How tall is the Elizabeth Tower?

The Elizabeth Tower stands 96 metres (315 feet) tall, making it one of London's most prominent landmarks. There are 334 steps from ground level to the belfry where the Great Bell is housed. The tower has 11 floors in total, with the clock faces positioned approximately 55 metres above ground level.

Can I take photos inside Big Ben?

No, photography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the Elizabeth Tower during tours for security and heritage protection reasons. All cameras, phones, and electronic devices must be stored in lockers before beginning the tour. However, you're free to take as many photos as you like of the tower's exterior from Parliament Square and surrounding areas.

What's the best time to photograph Big Ben?

Early morning (8-10am) offers fewer crowds and lovely soft light. Sunset provides golden hour lighting that beautifully illuminates the tower's stonework. After dark, the Prussian blue clock faces are dramatically lit, creating stunning night photographs. Westminster Bridge and the South Bank near London Eye offer excellent vantage points for classic shots.

Is Big Ben really leaning like the Tower of Pisa?

Yes, Big Ben does lean slightly—approximately 0.26 degrees (about 230mm) to the northwest due to ground settlement and underground construction work, including the Jubilee line extension. However, engineers assure us this is perfectly safe and would take 4,000 to 10,000 years to become a structural concern. It's nowhere near as dramatic as Pisa's famous lean!

Why does Big Ben sound slightly off-key?

The Great Bell developed a crack just months after first chiming in 1859. Rather than recasting the massive 13.7-tonne bell, it was simply rotated so the hammer would strike an undamaged area, and a lighter hammer was installed. This gives Big Ben its distinctive, slightly off-key tone that has become an beloved characteristic—Londoners wouldn't have it any other way!

Do I need to be a UK citizen to take a tour?

Not anymore! Since 2023, Elizabeth Tower tours have been opened to international visitors for the first time in the tower's 164-year history. Previously, only UK residents could visit through applications via their MP. Now anyone can book tours online, though they still sell out extremely quickly due to limited capacity and overwhelming demand.

What happens if Big Ben strikes while I'm inside?

If you're in the belfry when Big Ben strikes, you'll experience one of London's most powerful sounds up close! The tour provides mandatory ear protection as the 13.7-tonne bell creates an incredibly intense sound and vibration. Many visitors describe it as unforgettable—the sound reverberates through your entire body. It's quite safe with proper hearing protection, but absolutely thunderous without it!