The Elizabeth Tower, popularly known as the “Big Ben” is the most famous icon that represents the city of London. Located in the heart of the capital of Great Britain, London, and on the Thames River, there is this fabulous gem, which despite the belief of many, its name has nothing to do with the clock or with the building but a bell.
That is right, you read it correctly! The name “Big Ben” was given to the first bell in the tower when it was built in 1857. There are two myths about the origin of the name; some believe that it was a nickname given to Benjamin Hall, who was in charge of building the tower; others say that it is related to Ben Caun, a tough fighter who helped raise a new bell and when it had to be replaced it cracked. However, the source does not matter at present times, although the tower was renamed, all around the world it is known and refers to as the “Big Ben”.
The tower has an impressive 96.30 meters high and has a clock on each wall of the same building, taking a total of four; all located within 55 meters. Each sphere is seven meters in diameter, indicating the hour, the hand of the clock has a length of 2.7 meters and the minute hand has 4.3 meters. This watch is one of the most modern and accurate in the world, despite having been built more than a century ago, it also can be read in its areas, a Latin inscription that reads: “Fac Domine Salvam Reginam Nostram Vicotiam primam” (“Hail our Queen Victoria the First “in English) made in honor of the monarch of the nation.
Despite the altitude of the Tower, there is no lift, so in order to get to the top floor you must climb a ladder of 334 steps! However, we regret to inform you that this tour is reserved only for the British and even they must apply for a permit to access the inside of it; so, if you had steeled to climb those stairs, you will have to settle for admiring it from the outside; you most certainly can have a magnificent view from the famous “London Eye“.
Experts have discovered that Isabel is leaning Tower about 0.9 millimeters each year. It currently has a deviation of 46 cm and although this cannot be noticed by the human eye, many say that they will have to spend thousands of years before it can reach a slope like the Tower of Pisa in Italy.
If your next destination is Britain, then you should not miss the “Big Ben” in London. A majestic tower that makes the city unique and wonderful. Visit it and you won’t be disappointed!
My father said it is massive, larger when seen in person than in pictures, and when it rings it is incredible and loud… he studied there for four years and got used to it but in the beginning he said it was amazing…