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At 9'-0" diameter, 7'-6" high, and weighing more than 30,000 pounds, the bell of the Great Clock of Westminster or 'Big Ben' is one of the most famous bells in the world. However, the worldwide fame of Big Ben is often incorrectly bestowed, not on Big Ben the bell, but instead on the clock tower in which it hangs. Today, it is impossible not to go on any bus or walking tour of London without hearing one of the groups members point and shout, "look over there in the sky it's Big Ben." When what they mean to say is, "look over there it's the clock tower." Big Ben is the name of the main bell in the clock tower, not the name of the actual tower.
Big Ben Basic Facts
In 1844, the British Parliament decided that the new buildings for the Houses of Parliament, then under construction, should have a tower with a clock. After much time was spent on the planning stages, Big Ben was finally cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. Big Ben was then transported from the foundry to the Houses of Parliament by a horse drawn carriage, much to the delight of the crowds of onlookers.On May 31 st, 1859, the ringing of the bells in the Great Clock of Westminster were heard across London. On this day, members of Parliament called a special meeting to decide upon a name for the new bell. After a long debate, the bell was named after the first commissioner of works, Sir Benjamin Hall.
Shortly after it was put into place, Big Ben developed a crack that still exists today. Due mostly to increased city noise, Big Ben is not as easy to hear today as it was in 1844 but it still rings on time. The clock tower is particularly splendid now after an extensive renovation and cleaning. It is a must see stop for any visitors to London.
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Written By the Travel Editors at VacationIdea.com