Big Ben London Overview
Big Ben is a clock tower located in Westminster, London, England. In 2012, it was renamed Elizabeth Tower to represent the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II.
The architectural style of the clock tower is Gothic Revival. Augustus Pugin designs it.
The height of the tower is 315 feet tall. On 31, 2009, the people celebrated the 150th anniversary of the tower.
Big Ben was the largest bell in the United Kingdom for more than 23 years.
In 1987, Big Ben receive the accolade of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Renovation Work
In August 2017, the Big Ben renovation work started. The renovation work will take four years.
The chimes of the tower were silenced at noon on 21 August. During the renovation, maintenance works will be carried out.
In 2012, Big Ben will begin striking and tolling.
The target of the renovation is to repair and conserve the tower and upgrade facilities.
The last time the Big Ben went into renovation was 1983-85. As of September 2017 records, the renovation work will cost around £61
million.
The Big Ben each dial is seven meters in diameter. More than 312 pieces of glass used in clock dial. Big Ben showed in several movies and television. On 31 May 1859, the tower rang in West Minster.
History
The tower was previously known as Clock Tower. On 16 October 1834, the large fire destroyed the tower.
The interiors of the tower are not open to overseas visitors. The famous clock does not have any lift.
The designers of the clock were horologist Edmund Beckett Denison, George Airy and Astronomer Royal.
Edward John Dent did the construction of the clock. After the death of Edward in 1853, his stepson completed the remaining work of the clock.
In February 1900, the heavy built-up snow stopped the clock for eight hours.
References Taken
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Ben
https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/sightseeing/london-attraction/big-ben
https://www.parliament.uk/bigben