All about: Big Ben in London

Along with Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, one of the most famous and familiar landmarks of London, is the big clock tower affectionately known as the Big Ben. In fact, some of the most iconic pictures of London often include an image of this historic building. Here are some interesting facts about the Big Ben.

First chimes

The now famous clock chime of Big Ben was heard for the first time way back on the 7th September 1859. Perhaps its most awaited chime fell on the stroke of midnight when the entire population was awaiting to see in another new year. Equally pertinent was that the chimes was heard to mark the Remembrance day, falling at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day and signalling the end of the First World War.

The big bell

While most people believe that the name Big Ben refers to the whole of the great clock tower, the name in fact simply refers to the huge bell that is housed within the tower. Specifically, this bell was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the man who first ordered its installation. The massive bell, weighing some 14 tons, sits together with the four clock faces, each of which measures a massive 23 feet in diameter and were at one time the largest clock faces in the world.

Maintenance

Many parts of the clock tower have been specifically designed so that they can be easily removed. This allows for regular maintenance and cleaning of all the essential parts, a factor which no doubt is instrumental in ensuring that the clock keeps impeccable time. Along with the adjoining Westminster Palace, the clock tower was built during the Victorian period. This is why the base of each clock face is inscribed with a Latin phrase which can be translated as follows: 'Lord save our Queen Victoria'.

Perfect time

While it has been said that the clock had slowed down on the odd occasions, the specific design of the clock ensures that it has kept perfect time almost throughout the clock's history. This includes the event of the Blitz whereby the clock's time had remained miraculously impeccable. Final word This famous landmark of London can be seen from many locations throughout the city.However, a closer visit reveals the reason why the images of the Big Ben has always been among the most iconic of all London's many attractions.