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Also known as "Big Ben", this nickname was commonly bestowed in society to anything that was the heaviest in its class.Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament in London nach Sonnenuntergang, Großbritannien - © Botond Horvath / Shutterstock © Botond Horvath / Shutterstock The second theory is that it was named after a heavyweight boxing champion at that time, Benjamin Caunt.The first is that is was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the first commissioner of works, a large man who was known affectionately in the house as "Big Ben".The origin of the name Big Ben is not known, although two different theories exist. Westminster pier is next to the tower and is served by a number of river bus travel options. There are a several London bus routes that go past the tower, and Westminster Tube station is directly across the road, serviced by the Jubilee, District and Circle lines. Where is Big Ben?īig Ben is found in the Elizabeth Tower at the north end of The Houses of Parliament in Westminster, Central London, next to the river Thames. How tall is Big Ben?Įlizabeth 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. A lighter hammer was fitted and the bell rotated to present an undamaged section to the hammer. A short time later, in September 1859, Big Ben cracked. The metal was melted down and the bell recast in Whitechapel in 1858.īig Ben first rang across Westminster on.
#Bigben parliament cracked#
In 1844, it was decided the new buildings for the Houses of Parliament should include a tower and a clock.Ī massive bell was required and the first attempt (made by John Warner & Sons at Stockton-on-Tees) cracked irreparably. The Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834.
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The minute hands are 4.2 metres long (14ft) and weigh about 100kg (220lbs, including counterweights).The clock tower looks spectacular at night when the four clock faces are illuminated. Technically, Big Ben is the name given to the massive bell inside the clock tower, which weighs more than 13 tons (13,760 kg). The Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower, commonly called Big Ben, are among London's most iconic landmarks and must-see London attractions.