Macedonia 2017 Flags – Macedonia in EU London Big Ben Valletta Malta MNH

Macedonia 2017 Flags – Macedonia in EU London Big Ben Valletta Malta MNH

• Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the Great Clock of Westminster, located in the Elizabeth Tower at the north end of the Houses of Parliament.
• The tower itself is officially known as the Elizabeth Tower, renamed in 2012 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.
• The clock tower stands 96 meters (316 feet) tall and has 334 steps to climb up to the belfry.

History and Construction

• The clock tower was designed by architect Augustus Pugin and completed in 1859 as part of the rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster.
• The clock mechanism was designed by Edmund Beckett Denison and George Airy, the Astronomer Royal, and constructed by Edward John Dent.
• The Great Bell, known as Big Ben, was cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry and weighs over 13 tons.

Cultural Significance

• Big Ben is an iconic symbol of the United Kingdom and parliamentary democracy, often featured in establishing shots for films and TV shows set in London.
• The chimes of Big Ben are broadcast by the BBC and heard around the world, marking important events and the passage of time.
• The tower and clock have been a Grade I listed building since 1970 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
• A major five-year restoration project on the Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben was completed in 2022, restoring the clock face and dials to their original Victorian style.
• During the renovation, the bells were silenced for several years, with a few exceptions for special occasions.

In summary, Big Ben is a beloved and iconic landmark that has become deeply embedded in British culture and identity over the past 150+ years.