The nickname Big Ben refers to the large bell inside the clock at Elizabeth Tower, a British landmark built in 1859 that is located at the Palace of Westminster in London. The clock and sometimes the tower itself are also commonly called Big Ben, which is technically incorrect. Big Ben is a 13-ton (13,760 kg) bell that strikes every hour. The tower has been referred to as the Clock Tower until 2012, when it was changed to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th year on the throne.
More about Big Ben:
- Big Ben cracked in 1859, after its first two months of striking, and wasn‘t functional again until 1863, when it was repositioned so the bell‘s hammer wouldn‘t hit the crack. As of 2013, the crack still remained.
- When the Palace of Westminster was bombed in 1941 during World War II, the Clock Tower remained intact, and Big Ben continued to strike every hour.
- Big Ben’s strike is estimated to be able to be heard from 9 miles (14.48 km) away.
By Allison Boelcke
, Former Writer
Allison Boelcke, a digital marketing manager and freelance writer, helps businesses create compelling content to connect with their target markets and drive results. With a degree in English, she combines her writing skills with marketing expertise to craft engaging content that gets noticed and leads to website traffic and conversions. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.