Big Ben

Big Ben: London’s Iconic Timepiece What’s inside? (Elizabeth Tower)

Dominating the banks of the River Thames, Big Ben stands as a symbol of London’s rich history. Although often referencing the clock tower, “Big Ben” accurately denotes the Great Bell housed within.

🏛️ Victorian Masterpiece in Construction and Design

Following the 1834 fire at the Palace of Westminster, the construction of Big Ben, completed in 1859, was commissioned. Architects Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin embraced the Victorian Gothic style, combining intricacy and grandeur. The clock mechanism, a creation of Edmund Beckett Denison, enhances its precision.

🏛️ Architectural Marvel: Tower Height and Clock Accuracy

The tower, soaring to 316 feet (96 meters), captivates with its architectural prowess. The clock’s precision owes itself to Edmund Beckett Denison’s innovative double three-legged gravity escapement, while the pendulum, a staggering 13.5 feet (4.1 meters) long, contributes to its accuracy.

🕰️ The Weighty Resonance of Big Ben’s Great Bell

Weighing a substantial 13.5 tons (13,760 kg), the Great Bell, known as Big Ben, casts its sonorous chimes. Crafted by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, its resonant tones mark significant moments in London’s history.

📌 Seamless Exploration with Travel Inti

When exploring London, Travel Inti ensures a seamless experience around Big Ben. This platform offers curated insights into the history and architectural brilliance of this iconic timekeeper. With Travel Inti, delve into London’s majesty, uncovering the stories behind Big Ben’s timeless allure.

🎯 Engaging Facts about Big Ben:

1. Name Origins: Debate surrounds the origin of “Big Ben,” with theories linking it to Sir Benjamin Hall, a commissioner during construction.
2. Bell History: The first bell cast for Big Ben irreparably cracked during testing, leading to the present replacement.
3. Night Illumination: Big Ben’s nightly illumination adds a golden glow to its enchanting presence on the London skyline.
4. Clock Dials: Each of the seven-meter clock dials, with a 2.7-meter hour hand, contributes to Big Ben’s distinctive appearance.
5. WWII Silence: During World War II, Big Ben’s chimes fell silent to avoid guiding enemy bombers but resumed on Armistice Day in 1944.

Embarking on the exploration of Big Ben with Travel Inti transforms the visit into an immersive journey through time, architecture, and the enchanting history of London.

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