Big Ben

The Elizabeth Tower rises 96 meters at the north end of the parliamentary complex, housing a striking clock with four faces displaying gilded numerals. The Victorian Gothic structure consists of brick masonry with limestone cladding that tapers toward an openwork spire of cast iron framing. Each dial measures seven meters in diameter, with hour hands exceeding 2.7 meters and minute hands reaching 4.3 meters in length. The great bell within weighs 13.7 tons and is accompanied by four smaller quarter bells. The belfry framework supports the entire peal above the clock room. Clockwork mechanisms with weight-driven gravity escapement maintain accurate timekeeping across five interconnected levels within the tower structure.

Construction commenced in 1843 following designs by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin after an 1834 fire destroyed much of the original palace. Work progressed slowly due to debates over design elements and technical challenges in casting the main bell. The first casting cracked during test ringing in 1857, requiring a second attempt. The tower reached completion in 1859 when the second bell was installed and operational. Subsequent decades brought mechanical improvements to the clockwork and restorations of the stone surfaces. A major renovation phase began in 2017 to secure structural integrity and modernize electrical systems while preserving original mechanical operation.

The BBC has broadcast the chimes as a time signal since 1924, making them an integral part of British radio programming that millions use to confirm the hour. The recordings have become deeply embedded in national broadcasting culture, marking significant moments in news bulletins and connecting generations through their familiar sound. The bells have acquired special meaning during state occasions and memorial events, when their silence or modified ringing carries symbolic weight. For many Britons, the sound represents stability, continuity, and the reassuring structure of public life. The chimes have established themselves as an acoustic landmark recognized far beyond London, immediately associated with British identity. The tower's appearance in countless films and television programs has reinforced its status as a visual shorthand for England and its capital.

The clock mechanism requires manual winding three times weekly, with maintenance staff climbing 334 steps to perform the operation. Public access is granted only to UK residents through advance booking, with tours led by parliamentary staff. Westminster Underground station lies within walking distance, providing direct connections via multiple lines. Tower views are best obtained from Westminster Bridge and Victoria Tower Gardens. Renovation work has brought temporary cessation of chiming and scaffolding covering the dials. Visitors should verify current accessibility and tour conditions with parliamentary authorities, as these change depending on legislative activity.

Each clock face contains 312 pieces of opal glass, allowing internal lights to illuminate the dials for visibility throughout London at night. The original gas lamps were replaced with energy-efficient bulbs that maintain historical light distribution. Tiny adjustments are made by adding or removing old pennies on the pendulum mechanism, with each coin changing the rate by 0.4 seconds daily. A special anemometer atop the spire measures wind speed to calculate structural loads. During World War Two, the dials remained unlit and bells silent except to announce major news. Maintenance protocols prohibit stopping all four faces simultaneously, ensuring at least two dials remain operational at any given time.

Location: City of Westminster

Inception: April 10, 1858

Architects: Augustus Pugin, Charles Barry

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Elevation above the sea: 17 m

Height: 96 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Made from material: Caen stone, limestone

Part of: Big Ben

Address: Bridge Street SW1A 0AA

Phone: +442072194272

Website: https://parliament.uk/bigben

GPS coordinates: 51.50070,-0.12457

Latest update: November 27, 2025 18:55