Big Ben: Icon of London
Big Ben, often mistakenly used to refer to the iconic clock tower, actually refers to the great bell housed within the Elizabeth Tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, England. This historic tower, officially known as the Elizabeth Tower since 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, has become a symbol of London and British parliamentary democracy.
History and Construction
The origins of Big Ben date back to the mid-19th century, during a time of significant rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster after a fire in 1834 destroyed much of the original structure. The British Parliament commissioned a new clock tower to be built as part of architect Charles Barry’s design for the new Palace of Westminster.
The construction of the clock tower began in 1843 and was completed in 1859. The tower stands at an impressive height of 316 feet (96 meters) and consists of brickwork faced with limestone. Its distinctive Gothic Revival style, characterized by pointed arches and spires, reflects the architectural tastes of Victorian England.
The Great Bell
Contrary to popular belief, Big Ben is not the name of the clock tower itself but rather the name of the great bell housed within the tower. The origin of the name “Big Ben” remains somewhat unclear, though it is commonly believed to have been named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works at the time of its installation. Another theory suggests it was named after Benjamin Caunt, a heavyweight boxing champion of the time.
The Great Bell, which weighs over 13 tons, was cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1858. It was transported to the tower by a team of sixteen horses, an impressive feat of engineering for the era. The bell’s distinctive sound has become iconic, symbolizing London and often heard in broadcasts from the BBC World Service as a familiar sound of Britain.
The Clock Mechanism
The clock mechanism of the Elizabeth Tower is an impressive piece of engineering, designed by Edmund Beckett Denison and built by clockmaker E.J. Dent. It features a large four-faced clock with each dial measuring over 23 feet (7 meters) in diameter. The hands of the clock are made of cast iron and are driven by a system of weights and gears.
The clock mechanism includes a pendulum that beats every two seconds and is regulated by a stack of old British pennies placed on the pendulum rod. This ingenious method allows for precise timekeeping and has kept the clock remarkably accurate over the decades.
Cultural Icon
Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower have become synonymous with London’s skyline and are recognized worldwide as symbols of British culture and history. The tower’s image is often used to represent the concept of time, particularly in contexts related to news and the passage of time.
The chimes of Big Ben are known throughout the world and have been broadcast by the BBC since 1924 as part of its time signal. The sound of Big Ben’s chimes is particularly associated with the New Year’s Eve celebrations in London and is broadcast live to millions of viewers worldwide.
Conservation and Restoration
Over the years, the Elizabeth Tower and its famous clock mechanism have required periodic maintenance and restoration to ensure their continued operation and preservation. In recent years, the tower has undergone extensive conservation work, including repairs to the masonry, the clock faces, and the Great Bell itself.
One of the most significant conservation projects was the renovation of the clock faces, which involved replacing the cast iron framework and repainting the numerals and minute markers by hand. These efforts were aimed at preserving the historic appearance of the tower while ensuring that it continues to function for future generations.
Conclusion
Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower stand as enduring symbols of London’s rich history and architectural heritage. From its humble beginnings as part of the rebuilt Palace of Westminster to its status as a global icon of timekeeping and British identity, the tower continues to captivate visitors and residents alike.
As one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, Big Ben’s legacy extends far beyond its function as a clock and bell tower. It serves as a testament to the ingenuity of Victorian engineering and remains an integral part of London’s cultural landscape, inspiring awe and admiration in all who behold it.