The Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower, commonly called Big Ben, are among London’s most iconic landmarks and must-see London attractions. Big Ben is London’s most iconic landmark. The Houses of Parliament and the Clock Tower are commonly called Big Ben.
History of Big Ben
The clock tower was completed in 1859. Big Ben is well known for its accuracy and colossal bell weighing more than 13 tons. The clock tower is also known as St. Stephen’s Tower at the northern end of the Houses of Parliament, in the London borough of Westminster. The clock was designed by Edmund Beckett Denison. In 1852 Dent won the commission to make the clock, but he died before completing the project, and it was subsequently finished by his son Frederick Dent. In 1859, the bell cracked and then a lighter hammer was fitted and rotated to the present times ever since. The tourists can take a tour of the Houses of Parliament. The best way to reach there is by Westminster Underground station. The Clock Tower/Big Ben is not open to the general public although residents of the UK can arrange a visit by writing to their MP.
How to Reach Big Ben
Tourists can reach the House of Parliament by hopping off at Westminster tube station. If you are staying in East London you can take the Central and District line to reach Westminster station or the Jubilee Line if coming from North West. Westminster station is also a place made with advanced technology. Be there to believe. Plan your tube travel from the TFL.GOV.UK website.
There had been some predictions going on that after the Queens Jubilee Celebration, in Honour of the Queen Big Ben will be renamed the Elizabeth Tower. This is not confirmed yet. But much is anticipated.
Big Ben and Elizabeth Tower refurbishment work
In August 2017, refurbishment work commenced on Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben. The work is due to last three years. During this time, the tower will be scaffolded and the clock mechanism will be stopped for several months (no chiming or striking), except for some special events including New Year’s Eve and Remembrance Sunday. Find out more about refurbishment. Check out the video below that shows “Inside Big Ben’s Makeover”.