When you hear the phrase "in London," the first thing that springs to mind is often the resonant chimes of Big Ben - the Great Bell that strikes every quarter hour from the iconic clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. Big Ben is a historic clock and bell ensemble housed within what is officially called Elizabeth Tower, a Victorian masterpiece that has watched over the Thames for more than a century and a half. Its unmistakable rhythm has become a soundtrack for everyday life in the capital, echoing across Westminster Bridge, the London Eye, and the bustling streets of the City.
Key Takeaways
- Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell, while the tower itself is officially Elizabeth Tower.
- Completed in 1859, the clock was the world’s most accurate timepiece of its era.
- The clock faces are each 23feet in diameter and made of opal glass.
- Recent restoration (2017‑2022) kept the chimes running, preserving the tradition for future generations.
- Visitors can join guided tours through the Houses of Parliament to see the clock mechanism up close.
From Blueprint to Landmark: The Birth of the Tower
The story begins in the 1830s, when Parliament decided to replace the old medieval palace with a grand neoclassical complex. Architect Charles Barry designed a massive north‑south façade, but the central clock tower was a later addition demanded by the public. Engineer Sir George Airy, then Astronomer‑Royal, oversaw the clock’s design, insisting on a mechanism that would remain accurate despite London’s infamous fog and grime.
Construction kicked off in 1843. After a series of setbacks-including a fire that destroyed the original clockworks-engineer Edward John Heaton revised the design, introducing a new escapement that reduced friction. By 7May1859, the clock struck its first full hour, and the Great Bell, cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry at a cost of £4,250, rang out for the first time. The tower was later renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to honour the Diamond Jubilee of QueenElizabethII.
Mechanics That Keep Time in the Heart of Westminster
The clock’s reliability stems from three key innovations:
- Double‑three‑legged gravity escapement: This design, still used in modern horology, balances the pendulum’s swing and limits wear.
- Heavy pendulum: Weighing 300kg and 13feet long, the pendulum swings in a specially designed cast‑iron frame that isolates it from vibrations caused by nearby traffic on the Jubilee Line.
- Temperature‑compensated rods: Made of a nickel‑steel alloy, these rods expand and contract with temperature changes, keeping the pendulum’s period constant.
Each of the four clock faces is powered by a separate clock‑work drive, synchronized by a central “master” wheel. The dials are illuminated by 72kW of energy, allowing night‑time visibility for river‑cruisers heading past the Thames.
Big Ben in London Culture: From Royal Events to Pop‑Culture Moments
Beyond its technical brilliance, Big Ben has woven itself into the very fabric of London life:
- During the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony, the chimes opened the broadcast, symbolising Britain’s timeless spirit.
- On the night of QueenElizabethII’s death in 2022, the clock halted for a moment of silence, an unprecedented act showing respect for the monarch.
- Movies such as "Sherlock Holmes" and series like "Doctor Who" have used the tower’s silhouette to instantly signal a London setting.
- Every New Year’s Eve, the London Eye fireworks are timed to finish just as the bell strikes midnight, creating a synchronized spectacle for locals and tourists alike.
Even London commuters on the Tube feel its presence; the soft echo travels down the Jubilee Line tunnels, reminding passengers that time is ticking, whether you’re rushing to a meeting at Canary Wharf or catching a late‑night bus from Camberwell.
Visiting Big Ben: Practical Advice for London Residents and Tourists
While the tower itself is not open to casual walk‑ins, you can still experience the clock up close through a few well‑structured options:
- Parliamentary Tours: Book a guided visit via the official Parliament website. Tours run on weekdays, except when Parliament is in session, and include access to the clock’s mechanism, the original pendulum, and the bell chamber (available only to those over 16).
- Westminster Walking Tours: Several local operators-such as LondonLegends and SecretLondon-offer free or tip‑based walks that stop at the tower, Westminster Bridge, and the nearby Westminster Abbey. They often share anecdotes about the clock’s role during the Blitz.
- Evening Chime Experience: For a truly romantic moment, stand on the South Bank near the London Eye at the top of the hour. The chimes can be heard across the water, and you can grab a late‑night espresso at a riverside café like Giraffe or Pavilion Café.
- Accessibility: The Tower and Parliament’s interior are wheelchair‑friendly, but you must request assistance when booking your tour.
Transportation is a breeze: the nearest Underground stations are Westminster (Jubilee, District, Circle) and StJames’sPark (District, Circle). A quick hop on the #15 bus from Pimlico brings you right to the foot of the tower within five minutes.
Preservation & Modernization: Keeping the Clock Running for the Next Century
Between 2017 and 2022, a massive conservation project restored the tower’s stonework, upgraded the clock’s electrical components, and added a new conservation‑grade copper roof. The project cost £100million, largely funded by public donations and a heritage grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Key upgrades included:
- Installation of a modern, low‑energy LED lighting system that reduces power consumption by 50%.
- Replacement of the original iron clock hands with a lightweight aluminium alloy, preserving the original look while improving durability.
- Integration of a digital monitoring system that alerts engineers to any deviation in pendulum swing, ensuring the clock remains within 0.1seconds of true time.
These improvements mean the chimes will continue to mark the passage of time for generations, whether you’re a commuter catching a train at Victoria Station or a visitor enjoying a river cruise from Greenwich.
Quick Reference Table: Big Ben Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Elizabeth Tower |
| Construction Period | 1843‑1859 |
| Height | 316feet (96m) |
| Clock Face Diameter | 23feet (7m) |
| Great Bell Weight | 13.5tons (13,760kg) |
| Number of Bells | 5 (including the quarter‑hour bells) |
| Daily Chime Times | Every 15minutes, with full hour strikes |
| Recent Restoration | 2017‑2022 (£100million project) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the tower called ElizabethTower and not BigBen?
“BigBen” actually refers to the massive bell inside the tower. The structure was renamed ElizabethTower in 2012 to celebrate QueenElizabethII’s Diamond Jubilee, but the nickname persists because the bell is the most recognizable element.
Can I see the clock mechanism up close?
Yes, you can join a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament, which includes access to the clock’s escapement and the Great Bell chamber. Tours must be booked at least two weeks in advance and are free for UK residents with a valid ID.
How accurate is BigBen today?
Thanks to the 2020 digital monitoring system, the clock now stays within 0.1seconds of Greenwich Mean Time, making it one of the most precise historic clocks in the world.
Is there a cost to tour the tower?
Tours are free for UK residents; international visitors pay £15per person. Children under 5 are admitted free. Tickets include a short walk through the historic Westminster Hall.
What’s the best time to hear the chimes?
The full hour strikes are most dramatic at sunset, when the tower’s illumination highlights each bell’s movement and the sound carries over the river. For a quieter experience, the quarter‑hour chimes after 10pm are softer but still audible from the South Bank.
Whether you’re a Londoner heading to a meeting at the Old Bailey, a student attending a lecture at King’s College, or a tourist on a hop‑on‑hop‑off bus, the rhythm of Big Ben anchors you to a shared sense of place. Its blend of engineering brilliance, historic drama, and everyday reliability makes it more than just a clock-it’s a living reminder that time, like London itself, never stops.