Big Ben facts – how tall is the Elizabeth Tower, when was it built and how does it keep time? Everything you need to know; Maryse Godden; The Sun
UK – Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
Elizabeth Tower – home to the bells and the most photographed building in Britain – is undergoing restoration work.
BIG Ben’s famous bongs have marked the hour in London with almost unbroken service for the past 157 years.
The Elizabeth Tower – home to the bells – will be silenced for four years from August 21 as £29million restoration work is carried out – here’s some facts about Britain’s most famous clock.
Who named Big Ben?
It is thought that the bell was originally to be called Royal Victoria in honour of Queen Victoria but Londoners started calling the bell “Big Ben” and the name stuck.
The origin of the nickname remains the subject of some debate.
It is believed Big Ben was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw the installation of the Great Bell.
