Tucked away in the heart of London, within the chiming resonance of the splendid Elizabeth Tower, lies one of the most recognisable symbols of the United Kingdom, the majestic Big Ben. This iconic clocktower is not only the focal point for New Year's Eve celebrations, but also a sentinel of history, standing tall as the city has evolved around it. However, Big Ben is not merely a clock or tower; it houses a fascinating array of historical, architectural, and cultural secrets waiting to be unearthed by those who look beyond its hourly bellow.
A Name Wrapped in Mystery
First and foremost, it is important to clarify a common misconception: Big Ben is actually the nickname for the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, not the clock or the tower itself. The origin of the name Big Ben is shrouded in mystery. Some believe it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works, whose name is inscribed on the bell. Others argue that it was named after Ben Caunt, a heavyweight boxing champion of the time. Regardless of its true origins, the name Big Ben has resonated with Londoners and visitors alike, becoming synonymous with the entire structure.
Engineering Marvel of the Victorian Era
Completed in 1859, the clocktower was part of Charles Barry's design for the new Palace of Westminster after the old palace was largely destroyed by fire. Barry enlisted the help of Augustus Pugin for the clocktower, who crafted a design that has become immortalised as an emblem of London. The tower stands 96.3 meters tall, which, at the time of its completion, made it the tallest clocktower in the world, a tribute to the ambition and engineering prowess of the era.
The clock mechanism itself is a testament to precision and mechanical engineering. Designed by Edmund Beckett Denison and constructed by clockmaker Edward John Dent, the movement is famous for its reliability and accuracy. Despite its age, the clock's performance rivals some of the most advanced chronometers of the 21st century.
Sound and Fury: The Chimes of Westminster
The melodic quarter bells of Big Ben have a tune that might ring familiar even to those who have never visited London. The melody, known as the Westminster Chimes, is based on the fifth and sixth measures of "I know that my Redeemer liveth" from Handel's Messiah. It strikes every fifteen minutes and culminates in the distinctive bongs of Big Ben on the hour, a sound that has become associated with timekeeping and punctuality around the world.
A not-so-well-known fact is the eighth bell, named Big Ben, weighs a formidable 13.5 tonnes. When first cast, it cracked under the hammer, leading to a new bell accompanied by a lighter hammer. Yet, the careful listener will notice that the tone of the chime is not perfect—an effect of a subsequent crack that occurred in 1859. Instead of recasting, the bell was rotated to prevent further damage, and the flaw has become part of its unique character.
Time Stands Still: The Silence of Big Ben
One cannot discuss Big Ben without mentioning the rare occasions when its chimes fall silent. Maintenance, significant events, or moments of mourning can cause the clock to pause its regular schedule, a silence that is palpable across Westminster. The most recent notable silence began in 2017 and is part of a conservation project, the Elizabeth Tower refurbishment, designed to preserve the tower for future generations. During this time, the clock mechanism is disassembled and repaired, the tower is restored, and the faces of the clock shine once more after careful cleaning.
Inside the Clockroom
While the outer facade of the Elizabeth Tower draws countless eyes, the interior is a marvel in its own right. The clockroom houses the mammoth clock mechanism and offers a seldom-seen view into Victorian craftsmanship. Each of the four clock dials is seven metres in diameter, with minute hands measuring an impressive 4.2 metres and the hour hands at 2.7 metres. Making it even more remarkable, the original mechanism, which includes a pendulum and weights, remains in place and operational.
At the foot of the clock lies a stack of old penny coins—another unsung element of Big Ben's functional poetry. These coins are used to adjust the clock's timekeeping. Adding or removing a penny can change the pendulum's centre of mass and fine-tune the clock's speed, in a sublime marriage of science and history.
Witness to History
Over the years, Big Ben has been a silent witness to numerous historical events. During the Second World War, the clock dials were damaged by German bombing, but the Great Bell continued to toll, serving as a symbol of unwavering resistance and hope. The clocktower has overseen celebrations and solemn events alike, from royal weddings to state funerals, and continues to be an essential part of Britain’s national identity.
From every angle, inside and out, Big Ben is a source of unending intrigue and grandeur. Whether you're listening to its steadfast chimes, admiring its Victorian architecture, or uncovering its lesser-known stories, the clocktower remains an irreplaceable piece of London’s skyline and British heritage. Beyond its timely ticks lies a treasure trove of stories, engineering triumphs, and historical milestones, securing its place as a timeless sentinel by the Thames.