London Attractions London Attractions

Big Ben Big Ben

The name Big Ben is often used to The name Big Ben is often used to describe the tower, the clock and the bell describe the tower, the clock and the bell but the name was first given to the Great but the name was first given to the Great Bell.Bell.

The Elizabeth Tower, which stands at the The Elizabeth Tower, which stands at the north end of the Houses of Parliament, was north end of the Houses of Parliament, was completed in 1859 and the Great Clock completed in 1859 and the Great Clock started on 31 May, with the Great Bell's started on 31 May, with the Great Bell's strikes heard for the first time on 11 July strikes heard for the first time on 11 July and the quarter bells first chimed on 7 and the quarter bells first chimed on 7 SeptemberSeptember

The Clock The Clock

The clock was the largest in the The clock was the largest in the world and is still the largest in world and is still the largest in Great-Britain. The clock faces Great-Britain. The clock faces have a diameter of almost 25ft have a diameter of almost 25ft (7.5m). The hour hand is 9ft or (7.5m). The hour hand is 9ft or 2.7m long and the minute hand 2.7m long and the minute hand measures 14ft (4.25m) long. measures 14ft (4.25m) long.

The Clock.The Clock.

The Tower The Tower

The tower was constructed The tower was constructed between 1843 and 1858 as the between 1843 and 1858 as the clock tower of the Palace of clock tower of the Palace of Westminster. The palace is now Westminster. The palace is now better known as the better known as the Houses of Parliament. .

Big Ben and Big Ben and Great Britain’s flag. Great Britain’s flag.