Answering the Most Common Questions about Big Ben
As a photographer who’s spent years capturing London’s most iconic sights, I’ve found myself in front of Big Ben more times than I can count. Whether it’s an engagement, wedding, or travel shoot, Big Ben is always in the frame, and clients always ask me loads of questions about it. So, I’ve decided to put together this blog post with the most frequently asked questions. Here’s everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Big Ben in one place!
1. How old is Big Ben in London?
Big Ben is over 160 years old! It celebrated its 160th anniversary in 2019.
2. When was Big Ben built?
Big Ben was completed in 1859. It took about 13 years to finish after the original Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834.
3. Why is Big Ben called Big Ben?
The name “Big Ben” actually refers to the Great Bell inside the tower. There are two theories: one is that it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, a large man who was in charge of the tower’s construction, and the other is that it was named after heavyweight boxing champion Benjamin Caunt.
4. Who built Big Ben in London?
The clock tower was designed by architect Augustus Pugin, while the clock mechanism was designed by Edmund Beckett Denison and clockmaker Edward John Dent.
5. Where is Big Ben located?
Big Ben is located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, right by the River Thames. You can’t miss it!
6. Why is Big Ben famous?
Big Ben is an iconic symbol of London and British culture. Its clock is known for being incredibly accurate, and it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
7. What is the official name of Big Ben?
The tower was officially renamed “Elizabeth Tower” in 2012 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. But everyone still calls it Big Ben!
8. Can you visit Big Ben?
Yes! Both UK residents and international visitors can book guided tours of Big Ben. The tour includes climbing 334 steps to the top of the Elizabeth Tower, where you can see the inner workings of the clock and stand next to the Great Bell as it strikes.
9. How many clock faces does Big Ben have?
Big Ben has four clock faces, one on each side of the tower. Each face is about 23 feet (7 meters) in diameter!
10. How tall is Big Ben?
Big Ben stands at 316 feet (96 meters) tall, roughly equivalent to a 32-story building.
11. Is Big Ben the biggest clock in the world?
No, it’s not the biggest, but it’s the largest four-faced clock that chimes! It was the largest when it was completed in 1859.
12. How accurate is Big Ben’s clock?
Big Ben’s clock is incredibly accurate. Even today, it’s adjusted using old pennies to ensure it stays on time!
13. Has Big Ben ever stopped?
Yes, Big Ben has stopped a few times over the years, usually due to maintenance, repairs, or extreme weather. In 1976, the clock stopped for nearly a year due to mechanical issues.
14. Has Big Ben ever been damaged?
Yes, during World War II, the clock tower was damaged by German bombs in 1941, but the clock itself was never stopped, showing London’s resilience.
15. Why does Big Ben sometimes go silent?
The bells of Big Ben are silenced occasionally for repairs or special occasions. For instance, it was silenced for four years from 2017 to 2021 for renovation work.
16. Can Big Ben be seen from anywhere in London?
Not really. While it’s tall, the skyscrapers and other buildings around London make it visible only from certain spots. However, it’s unmistakable if you’re walking near Westminster.
17. How much does Big Ben weigh?
The Great Bell, Big Ben itself, weighs about 13.5 tons (13,760 kg). That’s as heavy as about two African elephants!
18. What’s the history behind the name “Elizabeth Tower”?
It was named “Elizabeth Tower” in 2012 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th year on the throne, known as her Diamond Jubilee.
19. Does Big Ben have a light?
Yes! There’s a light above the clock that glows when the UK Parliament is in session. It’s been there since 1885.
20. Can you climb to the top of Big Ben?
Yes, you can! The tour allows visitors aged 11 and over to climb 334 steps to the top of Big Ben. You’ll see the clock mechanism up close and stand next to the bell as it strikes.
21. How often does Big Ben chime?
Big Ben chimes every hour, with smaller bells playing a tune every 15 minutes.
22. Is there a webcam for Big Ben?
Yes, there are live webcams that allow you to see Big Ben from anywhere in the world, especially popular during New Year’s Eve.
23. What is Big Ben’s clock made of?
The clock faces are made of opal glass, and the minute hands are 14 feet long, made of copper.
24. What’s the difference between Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower?
Big Ben is actually the nickname for the Great Bell inside the tower, not the entire tower itself. The tower is officially called Elizabeth Tower.
25. Is Big Ben sinking?
It’s true! Big Ben tilts slightly to one side, sinking by about 0.04 inches (1 mm) per year due to underground changes. But don’t worry, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon!
26. How many bells does Big Ben have?
There are five bells in total. The largest is Big Ben itself, and there are four smaller bells that chime every 15 minutes.
27. How long will Big Ben last?
With proper maintenance, Big Ben is expected to stand for centuries. The ongoing renovations are helping ensure it stays around for future generations.
28. Does Big Ben have any sisters?
Yes! There are replicas or “sister” clocks inspired by Big Ben around the world, like the one at the Peace Tower in Ottawa, Canada.
29. Can you see Big Ben at night?
Absolutely! It’s beautifully lit up after sunset, making it a stunning sight for evening photography.
30. How loud is Big Ben?
Big Ben’s chimes reach up to 118 decibels, which is louder than a chainsaw! People nearby definitely know when it’s striking the hour.
31. How many bricks were used to build Big Ben?
There are approximately 850,000 bricks making up the structure of Big Ben, along with a lot of stone!
32. Is Big Ben featured in movies?
Yes! Big Ben has appeared in countless movies, like “Peter Pan,” “Mary Poppins,” and James Bond films.
33. How long did the renovations take?
The most recent renovations took about four years, from 2017 to 2021, to ensure this iconic structure remains standing for years to come.
34. How can I get the best photo of Big Ben?
From a photographer’s perspective, any time of the day is good. Big Ben looks different when you’re close and when you’re far away, so explore various distances and angles for unique shots!
35. Can Big Ben’s clock be turned off?
Yes, it’s possible, but it’s rarely done. It’s usually switched off only for repairs or maintenance.
36. How does Big Ben stay on time?
The clock’s accuracy is maintained using a stack of old pennies on the pendulum. Adding or removing a penny can speed up or slow down the clock by two-fifths of a second per day.
37. What’s next for Big Ben?
Now that renovations are complete, Big Ben will continue to chime, delighting locals and tourists alike. It remains a symbol of London’s rich history and resilience.
Fun Fact Wrap-Up:
- Big Ben weighs as much as two African elephants!
- It tilts slightly, kind of like the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- The clock’s minute hand is as long as a London bus!
I hope this answers all your burning questions about Big Ben! Next time you’re in London, be sure to stop by and see it in person—it’s even more breathtaking than any photograph. And if you need a photographer to capture your special moment with this iconic landmark, you know who to call!
