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London’s Iconic Clock Tower

Meta Description: Discover the fascinating history of Big Ben, London’s iconic clock tower. Learn how it was built, the story behind its famous bell, and why it remains a symbol of British heritage.

Few landmarks are as instantly recognizable as Big Ben. Its grand clock faces, majestic chimes, and towering Gothic design have made it a symbol of London for over 160 years. But behind this famous bell and clock lies a story of fire, innovation, and engineering brilliance.

In this post, we’ll explore how Big Ben was built — from disaster to architectural triumph — and why it continues to capture imaginations worldwide.

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Table of Contents

1. A New Beginning After the Great Fire

2. Building the Elizabeth Tower

3. The Clock That Changed Timekeeping

4. The Bell Called Big Ben

5. Big Ben’s First Chime

6. Modern Renovation and Legacy

7. Frequently Asked Questions

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<a name="new-beginning"></a> A New Beginning After the Great Fire

The story of Big Ben begins with tragedy. In 1834, a massive fire destroyed most of the Palace of Westminster, home to the British Parliament. Architect Charles Barry won the commission to rebuild, designing a stunning Gothic Revival complex.

Barry’s plan included a grand clock tower on the north end — the Elizabeth Tower — home to Big Ben. He collaborated with Augustus Pugin, a gifted Gothic designer, and Sir George Airy, the Astronomer Royal, to ensure the clock would be world-class in both accuracy and design.

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Photo: Historic illustration of the Palace of Westminster after the 1834 fire

Alt Text: “Palace of Westminster after the 1834 fire”

Caption: “The 1834 fire that destroyed much of the Palace of Westminster inspired the creation of Big Ben.”

Internal link suggestion: Palace of Westminster

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<a name="building-tower"></a> Building the Elizabeth Tower

Construction began in 1843 and took over a decade. Standing 316 feet (96 meters) tall, it is built from brick encased in Anston limestone.

Inside, a spiral staircase of 334 steps leads to the belfry, topped by a cast-iron spire. Four massive clock dials, each 23 feet (7 meters) wide, display the time across London.

Each clock face contains 312 pieces of opal glass, reminiscent of stained glass windows. The minute hands stretch 14 feet, and the hour hands are 9 feet long, made from copper.

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Photo: Full view of Elizabeth Tower under a blue sky

Alt Text: “Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) in London”

Caption: “The Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben, took over a decade to build and stands 316 feet tall.”

Internal link suggestion: Gothic Revival architecture

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<a name="clock-mechanism"></a> The Clock That Changed Timekeeping

The heart of Big Ben is its clock mechanism, designed by Edmund Beckett Denison (Lord Grimthorpe) and built by Edward John Dent. After Dent’s death, his stepson Frederick Dent completed the project.

Denison’s double three-legged gravity escapement allowed the massive clock to remain accurate to within one second — remarkable for the 19th century.

Even today, minor adjustments are made using old pennies on the pendulum to maintain perfect timing.

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Photo: Close-up of the clock mechanism

Alt Text: “Big Ben clock mechanism close-up”

Caption: “The innovative gravity escapement mechanism ensures Big Ben keeps remarkably accurate time.”

Internal link suggestion: Clock tower mechanisms

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<a name="big-ben-bell"></a> The Bell Called Big Ben

Originally, “Big Ben” referred only to the Great Bell, not the tower or clock. The first bell, cast in 1856, cracked during testing. A second bell, weighing 13.5 tons, was cast in 1858 by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, famous for the Liberty Bell.

Transporting the bell required 16 horses and drew huge crowds. Months later, it cracked again, but engineers rotated it slightly and used a lighter hammer, giving Big Ben its distinctive chime.

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Photo: Inside the belfry showing Big Ben’s bell

Alt Text: “The Great Bell of Big Ben in the belfry”

Caption: “The Great Bell, known as Big Ben, cracked during installation but was modified to produce its iconic tone.”

Internal link suggestion: Whitechapel Bell Foundry

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<a name="first-chime"></a> Big Ben’s First Chime

The clock began ticking on May 31, 1859, and the bell first rang on July 11, 1859. During World War II, even when bombs damaged nearby buildings, Big Ben continued to chime, becoming a symbol of resilience and hope.

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Photo: Black-and-white wartime image of Big Ben

Alt Text: “Big Ben during World War II”

Caption: “Even during World War II, Big Ben’s chimes remained a symbol of hope for Londoners.”

Internal link suggestion: London in World War II

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<a name="renovation-legacy"></a> Modern Renovation and Legacy

In 2012, the tower was officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Extensive restorations in the 2020s cleaned, repaired, and renewed the tower.

Today, Big Ben is a cultural icon, a testament to Victorian engineering, Gothic design, and enduring craftsmanship.

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Photo: Restoration scaffolding on Elizabeth Tower

Alt Text: “Elizabeth Tower restoration 2020s”

Caption: “Restoration work in the 2020s preserved Big Ben’s beauty and functionality for future generations.”

Internal link suggestion: Elizabeth Tower

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<a name="faq"></a> Frequently Asked Questions About Big Ben

Q1: When was Big Ben built?

Big Ben’s construction began in 1843, and the clock first rang in 1859.

Q2: Why is it called Big Ben?

“Big Ben” originally referred to the Great Bell, though over time it became synonymous with the entire clock tower.