Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the striking clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. While the name is often used to refer to the entire clock tower, officially named the Elizabeth Tower, it specifically denotes the 13.7-tonne bell housed within the belfry. The tower was designed by Augustus Pugin in a Neo-Gothic style and completed in 1859.
The structure stands 96 meters tall and serves as a global cultural icon of the United Kingdom. Its four-faced clock is renowned for its reliability and precision, having survived the Blitz during World War II. The tower remains an integral part of the parliamentary estate and a symbol of British democratic governance.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Brick, Anston limestone, Cast iron, Copper
- Civilization
- British
- Accessibility
- Limited; access via guided tours for UK residents and international visitors by arrangement
- Date(s)
- 1843-1859
- Condition
- Fully restored and operational
- Original Function
- Clock tower for the Palace of Westminster
- Key Figures
- Charles Barry, Augustus Pugin, Edmund Beckett Denison
Design and Construction
1834-1859Following the fire that destroyed the old Palace of Westminster in 1834, a new building was commissioned. The clock tower was designed by Charles Barry with significant interior and clock face detailing by Augustus Pugin. Construction was delayed by technical challenges regarding the clock mechanism and the casting of the Great Bell.
The Great Bell
1858-1859The first bell cracked during testing and was recast in 1858. The current bell, weighing over 13 tons, first rang out across London in July 1859. It quickly became the standard for timekeeping in the British Empire.
Modern Restoration
2017-2022The Elizabeth Tower underwent a major conservation project to repair the clock mechanism, the bell, and the masonry. The project included the removal of decades of grime and the restoration of the original Victorian color scheme on the clock faces.
Cultural Significance
Big Ben is widely considered the most recognizable symbol of London and the United Kingdom. Its chimes, broadcast globally by the BBC, are synonymous with British national identity and the concept of 'Greenwich Mean Time.' The tower serves as a backdrop for major national events, including New Year's Eve celebrations and Remembrance Sunday.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
There is ongoing historical discussion regarding the extent of Augustus Pugin's influence on the tower's design versus that of Charles Barry. Additionally, the exact origin of the name 'Big Ben' remains a subject of minor debate, with theories attributing it to either Sir Benjamin Hall or the heavyweight boxing champion Benjamin Caunt.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Access is strictly limited to guided tours organized through the UK Parliament. Visitors must book well in advance. Security screening is mandatory for all entrants.
Best Times to Visit
The area is accessible 24/7 for exterior viewing. Early morning or late evening provides the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds.
Photography
Personal photography is permitted from the exterior. Photography inside the tower is strictly regulated and often prohibited during tours.
Nearby POIs
21 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]
- [2]Big Ben: The Great Clock of Westminster — Peter MacDonald. Historical Association (2018)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Brick, Anston limestone, Cast iron, Copper
- Civilization
- British
- Accessibility
- Limited; access via guided tours for UK residents and international visitors by arrangement