London's Big Ben

London's Big Ben

The St Stephen's Tower and the Palace of Westminster in London is commonly called Big Ben. Big Ben is the massive bell inside the clock tower, which weighs more than 13 tons i.e. 13,760 kg.

visiting
The clock tower can be viewed from the street. It is not open, however, to the general public but it is possible for UK residents to arrange a visit by writing to their MP. Applications should be made in writing, as far in advance as possible, to The House of Commons.

history
The Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834. In 1844, it was decided the new buildings for the Houses of Parliament should include a tower and a clock. The bell was refashioned in Whitechapel in 1858 and the clock first rang across Westminster on 31 May 1859.

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