Big Ben

The great and the giant bell at the clock tower is popularly known as Big Ben. It is located in the lively region of Westminster, London. Big Ben is by far the largest four faced tower in the world and every year it attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. This chiming clock is also the third largest free- standing tower in the entire globe. This glorious clock tower was built in the year 1288 and was designed by Augustus Pugin. The structure of the tower consists of excellent brickwork and the upper part is framed spire of iron. The large faces of this Big Ben clock are about 180 ft from the ground. In London, this clock of this tower is extremely trustworthy as far as the time is concerned. It is often said that the clock tower keeps impeccable time and rarely stops. The phenomenal main bell in the tower is commonly known as the great bell, along with this enormous bell there are four quarter bells in the tower. These four bells play the quarter hours and are of G, F, E and B sharp. The 20 chime sequence played by the quarter bell is extremely melodious. Most of the people still identify the whole tower as Big Ben but actually the name refers to the great bell accommodated in the tower. A Latin inscription meaning ‘Lord save our Queen Victoria 1’ is imbibed on the base of each clock face.

The Big Ben London has now become a great and well known iconic Landmark of London, United Kingdom especially in the visual media. You can see this location in several films, shows etc where to depict the location of England, Bigben is shown. It has been a recognizable symbol of the country. The tower is also a renowned venue for the celebrations of New Year in London. The radio channels often tune to the chimes of the clock for a grand and harmonious welcome the New Year. Remembrance Day is another event celebrated in the city in which the chimes are broadcasted to mark the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh moth every year and the two minute silence is started when the chimes are heard. All the four chimes of the clock are illuminate every night and this adds to the beauty of the Big Ben tower even more. A unique light is also placed at the top of the clock which also illuminated when the parliament is in session.

The general public and tourists are not allowed to visit the clock tower; one can only see it from a distance. But, yes if you are a resident of United Kingdom then you can write an application to the MP of your region and arrange a visit for yourself. The applications should be sent well in advance at the following address:
House of Commons
Westminster, London
SW1A 0AA

Once you have got the permission to visit the tower you can book any of the tours at your own time preference. Tours for the residents are arranged at set timings of 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am and 2:30am from Monday to Friday. These tours can accommodate maximum 16 people at a time as the space is very less in the tower. But, it is not possible for the non residents to visit the clock tower in any way. Adjoining the Big Ben Clock Tower is the renowned Westminster Palace which houses the sessions of Britain Parliament. The parliament sessions held here can also be viewed by the tourists without any cost. You can also explore several other London attractions such as London Eye, Westminster Abbey, White Hall, Tower of London, London Aquarium and Country Hall Gallery etc. The Cinnamon Club, Ozu, Aji Noodle Bar and Spectrum are some of the most popular restaurants offering a variety of delicious cuisines. London Tower reminds of the royal and glorious history of Britain.