The Big Ben tower (officially known as the Elizabeth Tower) is a the famous clock tower in London, England, United Kingdom.
The tower was designed in neo-Gothic style by Augustus Pugin. When completed in 1859, its clock was the largest in the world. The tower is 316 feet (96 m) high and the climb from ground level to the bell tower is 334 steps. “Big Ben” is actually the name of the bell of the clock tower, but over time it has come to be used by the public to refer to the entire structure.
The tower is a British cultural icon recognized all over the world. It is one of the most important symbols of the United Kingdom and parliamentary democracy and is often used in the filming of films shot in London. The clock tower has been part of a Grade I listed building since 1970 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
Access : Coordinates: 51.5007, -0.1245 /
Highlights :
- According to the votes of 2000 people who participated in a survey, Big Ben is the most important symbol of the United Kingdom.
- The tower probably took its name from Sir Benjamin Hall, who was responsible for the installation of the great bell. Hall’s name is also engraved on the bell. According to another popular theory, it takes its name from champion boxer Ben Caunt.
- The Great Bell weighs 13.76 tonnes, is 2.29m high and has a diameter of 2.74m at the bottom. Big Ben is the largest clockwork bell. In London, only the bell of the church of St. Pavel, which weighs 17 tons.
- In 2012, the tower was officially renamed Elizabeth Tower. The decision was made to mark the 60th anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
Go next : Palace of Westminster , the seat of the British Parliament in London, which consists of the House of Commons (lower house) and the House of Lords (upper house).
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