Big Ben: England's Iconic Landmark and Historic Symbol

What is Big Ben?

The term "Big Ben" technically refers to the Great Bell inside what is now called the Elizabeth Tower. For many years, the tower was known as the Clock Tower or St. Stephen’s Tower, but in 2012, it was renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years of her reign. Despite this official renaming, people around the world still commonly refer to both the bell and the tower as Big Ben.

The Great Bell, weighing over 13 tons (13,760 kilograms), is the centerpiece of the tower. It strikes on the hour, creating the iconic chimes that are instantly recognizable. Big Ben is surrounded by four large clock faces, each measuring nearly 7 meters in diameter, making it one of the largest chiming clocks in the world.

The History of Big Ben

Big Ben’s story begins in the mid-19th century, following a devastating fire in 1834 that destroyed much of the original Palace of Westminster. As part of the reconstruction efforts, a new clock tower was commissioned. The clock and the bell were designed as grand symbols of British power and resilience, with the government looking to create a timepiece that would be accurate, visible, and audible throughout London.

The tower was designed by Augustus Pugin, a renowned Gothic Revival architect, and stands 96 meters (315 feet) tall. The clock mechanism was designed by Edmund Beckett Denison, and the bell was cast by George Mears at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry.

Interestingly, the first attempt to cast the Great Bell ended in failure. A massive crack appeared in the bell during testing, prompting the creation of a new bell in 1858, which was successfully installed in the tower. However, even this bell eventually cracked, leading to its distinctive sound. Instead of recasting it, the bell was rotated and struck in a different location to preserve its unique tone.

Who Built Big Ben?

Big Ben is the result of the efforts of several key individuals. The architectural design of the tower was led by Charles Barry in collaboration with Augustus Pugin. Barry, the chief architect of the Palace of Westminster reconstruction, sought Pugin’s expertise in creating the tower’s intricate Gothic Revival design. Meanwhile, Edmund Beckett Denison oversaw the creation of the clock mechanism, one of the most accurate and largest in the world at the time.

George Mears, the founder of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, was responsible for casting the bell itself. The Whitechapel Bell Foundry was one of the most famous bell foundries in the world, with a history dating back to the 16th century.

What’s Inside Big Ben?

While the tower is most famous for its massive clock and bell, there’s much more to its inner workings. Inside, the tower features a winding staircase with 334 steps leading up to the belfry where the Great Bell resides. Above the belfry, there’s a lantern-like structure known as the Ayrton Light, which is illuminated when Parliament is in session.

The clock mechanism itself is a marvel of 19th-century engineering. It is powered by a gravity escapement system, designed to keep the clock running accurately regardless of external conditions such as wind or weather. This system is what ensures that Big Ben remains one of the most precise public clocks in the world. The hands of the clock are made of copper, while the hour hand is over 2.7 meters long and the minute hand stretches over 4.2 meters.

One of the most famous elements of Big Ben is its chime. The chimes follow a specific melody, based on the tune of "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth" from Handel's Messiah. The sound of the bell resonates across London, symbolizing not just the passage of time but the endurance and stability of the British state.

Why is it Called Big Ben?

The origin of the name "Big Ben" remains a bit of a mystery, though there are a couple of popular theories. One suggests that the bell was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the Commissioner of Works at the time of its installation. Hall was a large man, and his name was inscribed on the bell, leading people to refer to it as "Big Ben."

Another theory posits that the bell was named after Ben Caunt, a famous heavyweight boxer of the era. Known for his imposing size and strength, Caunt was a popular figure in London at the time, and some speculate that the bell was named in his honor.

Big Ben's Role in British Culture

Big Ben has become much more than just a clock or a bell—it is a symbol of Britain itself. The tower has survived two world wars, including direct bombings during the Blitz in World War II. Despite the destruction around it, Big Ben continued to chime, serving as a symbol of resilience and hope for the British people.

Today, Big Ben plays a central role in national events. It is often the focal point for New Year’s Eve celebrations, where its chimes mark the beginning of the new year. It also serves as a symbol of parliamentary democracy, as it sits next to the Houses of Parliament, the seat of British government.

Conclusion

Big Ben, with its rich history and iconic stature, is far more than just a clock tower. It’s a monument to British engineering, a beacon of resilience, and a symbol of the nation's culture and identity. From its Gothic Revival architecture to its world-famous chimes, Big Ben continues to capture the imagination of millions of people around the world.

Whether you're visiting London or simply hearing the chimes in a film, Big Ben is a reminder of the enduring nature of time and the legacy of a nation that has stood the test of centuries.