Photograph by London Taxi Tours of London
Few sights capture the spirit of London quite like Big Ben. Rising above the River Thames at the northern end of Westminster, its unmistakable clock tower has been keeping watch over the city for more than 160 years.
The tower was completed in 1859 as part of the rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster, following the devastating fire of 1834. Although visitors often call the whole tower “Big Ben”, the name technically belongs to the enormous bell inside. The tower itself was originally known as the Clock Tower and was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.
And what a bell it is. Weighing more than 13 tonnes, Big Ben has become one of London’s most familiar sounds, chiming across Westminster and featuring prominently in New Year celebrations, royal occasions and countless films and television programmes.
There have been a few hiccups along the way. During the Second World War, the clock continued to operate even when the Palace of Westminster was damaged by bombing. And in 1949, Big Ben was temporarily silenced after a rather embarrassing incident: a swarm of starlings decided to perch on the minute hand, causing the clock to lose time!
Today, Big Ben remains one of London’s essential photo stops. Whether you admire it from Westminster Bridge, stroll along the Thames or simply pause to hear its famous chimes, it is a reminder that in London, even keeping time can have a little drama.
See Big Ben on a black cab tour of London!
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