Facts about Big Ben

Uncover the fascinating history and intriguing facts surrounding one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, Big Ben. Discover surprising details about its construction, the legendary bells that chime within, and the cultural significance that has made Big Ben a symbol of London. Prepare to be enthralled by a collection of facts about Big Ben that will deepen your appreciation for this beloved British landmark.

Big Ben has become an iconic symbol of the city and an enduring symbol of British culture. From its impressive architecture to the famous bells that resonate across the city, we’ll explore the stories, legends, and remarkable feats that have made Big Ben an international icon.

Love learning new facts about other cultures and counties? Then be sure to check out our facts about Mexico, and facts about Rome.

Facts about Big Ben

Big Ben is at 8.9 feet.
The hammer inside the bell weighs 441 pounds.
There are four clocks on the tower ( on each side )
Each clock is 23 feet in diameter.
The hour hand is 9.2 feet long.

The minute hand is 14 feet long.
Each clock dial has 312 pieces of glass.
The clocks are still working and have the correct times.
There is a secret prison room inside the Elizabeth tower.
To get to the prison, you have to walk up 114 steps into the Elizabeth tower, and you will find it.

The prison tower was created for the MPs who did wrongdoings and were thrown in one cell prison to reflect upon their iniquity.
The last time the prison tower was used was back in 1880. It was used for Charles Bradlaugh, an atheist MPs who refused to swear allegiances to the crown on the bible.
The architecture s a neo-gothic style and is beyond breathing with detail.
You are allowed to take a tour of Ben big and the Elizabeth tower.
Before you take a tour, they make you sign a “Climber Declaration and Disclaimer” form and ensure you bring the form with you!

You do have to be a UK resident to be allowed in Big Ben, and you have to be over 11 years old.
There is a total of 334 steps!
They add coins to speed up or slow time to ensure it remains the most accurate public clock.
Big Ben gets its nickname from the bell itself.
The clocks never stop.

The bells rang but remained silent for quite some time after Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
Four other bells ring beside Big Ben.
Big Ben now chimes ever every hour.
The four smaller bells ring every 15 minutes.
On July 22, 2012, Big Ben Rang 12 times for the start of the Olympic games.

There is real gold that is decorated at the top of the clocks.
There is 23 carat of gold.
The Elizabeth tower is not the actual name of this landmark; it was called “The clock Tower.”
It was changed to the Elizabeth tower to commemorate Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Big Ben was first called Great Bell.

Big Ben is named after Sir Benjamin Hall. He was the first commission of public works in London and was in charge of constructing the house of Parliament.
His name was carved into the bell, giving him the nickname Big Ben.
The House of Parliament is attached to the tower.
Big Ben was cast in 1858
Big Ben weighs 13.7 tons.

The tower required more than 3000 cubic ft of stone and 9200 cubic ft of bricks to be built.
The opal glass on the clocks requires cleaning every five years.
Big Ben was designed differently than a clockmaker.
Big Ben chimed late in 1944 on New Year’s Eve due to the snow weighing down the hands of the clock.
Big Ben does light up! You can see the light in the face of the clock.

The faces of the clock are made up of energy efficient light bulbs that can last up to 60,000 hours.
There is also a light on top ( the Ayrton light) that helps tell what is going on in the UK houses of parliament.
There has been a toilet installed in Big Ben.
In 1944, the clock rang late because there was a flock of birds that made it so heavy and weighed it down
Edward Dent, who designed the clockwork, was actually a lawyer.

Each clock has a pendulum that swings back and forth to help control the movement of the hands.
Big Ben chimed for the first time on July 11, 1859
The clock tick for the first time on September 7, 1858.
The bell cracked two months after its first ring, and the clock tower went silent.
When Big Ben cracked, workers started repairs that took four years to rebuild.

In 1976 the bell had to be repaired, and the clock tower did not ring for nine months.
Big Ben is one one the most famous appearance in movies.
During World War 2, the face of the clock stayed unlit due to the blackout rules.
In 1941, there was a bomb jump on the top of the tower from a german aircraft causing exterior damages.
Big Ben is the world’s largest four-face chiming clock tower.

Big Ben is made up of 11 floors.
Big Ben was built about 164 years ago.
They would test the bell often before they put it in the tower.
The bell in the tower was different from the original bell due to Edmund wanting it louder and cracking.
It is someone’s specific job to make sure the clock runs on time ( the keeper of the great clock)

There is also a team of clockmakers that are responsible for the clocks.
Big Ben is located on the banks of the River Thames.
The Westminster Bridge is one of the best and ideal places to capture Big Ben’s beauty and get some incredible photos.
Benjamin Hall was responsible for the installation of the bell.
The tower’s original purpose was to be a timepiece for the house of commons.

Big Ben is now a symbol for the United Kingdom.
Big Ben has become the heart of London and the UK, showing and representing British people their strength and resilience.
The clock is at the end of the Palace of Westminster.
Big Ben is one of the most prominent tourist attractions and remains a large icon.
Big Ben is the largest bell in the UK.

The tower stands at 316 feet tall.
Big Ben’s chimes can be heard all over London and beyond
The clock represents a symbol of British culture.
The Elizabeth tower is named after to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II.
The clock itself was named the Great Clock of Westminster.

Even though it went dark during World War Two, the chimes still rang.
It was a lawyer and an astronomer that were the masterminds behind the design and building of this architecture and the start of the clock movement.
It was royal astronomer Sir George Biddell who came up with what the clock needed, and Sir Edmund designed it.
No elevator is inside the tower; you must climb the steep stairs.
You can listen to the clock’s chimes live through the radio at the bottom of the tower.

We hope you learned something new about Big Ben. If you know any other fun facts about Big Ben, be sure to add them to the comments!

Are you looking for more fun and engaging facts to share with your family? Check out these other posts for more facts!

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Facts about Big Ben

Are you looking for more fun and engaging facts to share with your family? Check out these other posts for more facts!

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