Big Ben
Big Ben is one of London's most famous landmarks and it a must for any tours. Also known as the Great Clock of Westminster, Big Ben, and the sound of its famous chimes are recognised worldwide.
Most people refer to the whole tower as Big Ben, but the name refers not to the clock tower, but to the 13.5-ton bell within. Big Ben is the largest of the five bells. The bell originally came from the Old Palace of Westminster.
The clock tower, known as St. Stephen's Tower, is at the north-eastern end of the building, the home of the English Houses of Parliament, and contains the famous striking clock and bell.
The clock in the tower was once the largest in the world and is famous for its accuracy. Big Ben chimes on the hour to the accuracy of one second. The clock mechanism dates back to 1854, with St. Stephen's Tower being completed four years later.
There are four clock faces, which are set in an iron framework, 7 metres (23ft) in diameter with each diameter supporting 312 pieces of opal glass. This gives a luminous stained glass effect to the clock face. The hour hand is 2.7 metres (9ft) and the minute hand is 4.3 metres (14ft). This is truly the Great Clock of Westminster.
To this day placing old pennies on the pendulum to slow the mechanism down controls the accuracy of the movement of the pendulum. By adding or subtracting pennies the clock maintains its accuracy.
The mechanism was designed by Edmund Beckett Denison and the clockmaker Edward John Dent created the mechanism to Denison's specifications. Augustus Pugin designed the clock faces and dials. A partnership of great design and innovation inspiring visitors world wide.
It has recently been noticed that Big Ben is leaning - one metre out at the top - but this isn't considered dangereous yet. Get the photos while you can !
Nearest Tube: Westminster - best photography exit 6.