Big Ben

The spectacular great bell of the clock located on the north-eastern end of the Houses of Parliament is called Big Ben. It is the largest four-faced chiming clock in the world and the third largest free-standing clock tower in the world. The tower has a height of 96.3 meters and the clocks are placed at 55 meters above ground. The name Big Ben was first given to the Great Bell but these days the clock, the tower and the bell are collectively called Big Ben.

Big Ben is just not a clock tower but also a symbol of the London’s image. There is no London tourism catalogue which can be complete without Big Ben’s picture. Its also a part of even celebrations, including the new year celebration where the chimes single the beginning of the new year. Big Ben as also been polled as London’s most iconic film location and the most popular landmark in the UK.

Big Ben as a clock is famous for its reliability. During the London bombing of World War II by Hitler’s Luftwaffe the clock ran accurately and chimed throughout the Blitz. During the 6 week stoppage maintenance of August 2007, to improve its reliability the clock was given an electronic motor.