Big Ben, London

 

Big Ben, London

Big Ben, London, England

This evening, I am focusing on Big Ben, one of London’s most famous landmarks. Technically the name ‘Big Ben’ relates to the 13 ton Great Bell which strikes the hour but the name has been expanded to include the tower, bell and clock. A brief history of Big Ben is as follows:

  • The concept of a clock was added to a design for the re-build of the Palace of Westminster in 1836.
  • Construction commenced 1843.
  • Edmund Dent was appointed to build the clock in February 1852.Dent died 1853 and work was completed by his stepson Frederick in 1854-at cost of GBP2500.00
  • The clock was installed 1859, upon completion of the Clock Tower, and began keeping time  May 31st 1859.
  • The clock was fitted with a revolutionary ‘Double Three-Legged Gravity Escapement’ which ensures accuracy and subsequently fitted in clocks around the world.
  • April 2002 marked the conclusion of a five year restoration project costing GBP80.0M (USD93.0M today).
Big Ben, London

Big Ben, London, England

Big Ben is difficult to avoid when touring central London

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