Unveiling the Truth: The Myths and Facts About London's Big Ben
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When you think of London, the iconic silhouette of Big Ben likely springs to mind. The towering structure, standing proudly beside the River Thames, has become a symbol of Britain itself. But what if I told you that most people—including many Londoners—are actually calling it by the wrong name?
Let’s set the record straight and dive into some surprising facts about this legendary landmark.
1. Big Ben Isn’t What You Think It Is
Here’s a fact that blows many minds: Big Ben is not the tower. It’s not even the clock. Big Ben is actually the Great Bell inside the tower—the one that chimes the hours. The tower itself was originally called the Clock Tower until 2012, when it was renamed.
Imagine calling a whole house by the name of its doorbell—kind of funny, right? But the name Big Ben has stuck for so long that most people just go with it.
2. The Tower’s Real Name: Elizabeth Tower
If you want to be precise, the tall, majestic structure that houses Big Ben is officially known as Elizabeth Tower. It was renamed in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, celebrating her 60 years on the throne. Before that, it was simply called the Clock Tower—which, admittedly, is a bit less exciting.
Still, for most Londoners and tourists alike, “Big Ben” will probably always refer to the whole thing. Some habits are just too hard to break!
3. A Giant Bell with a Mighty Sound
The bell itself is a beast. Weighing in at 13.5 tons (13,760 kg), Big Ben is roughly the same weight as two elephants stacked on top of each other. It’s 2.2 meters tall, has a 2.9-meter diameter, and when it chimes, you can hear it from miles away.
And here’s a little-known fact: the first Big Ben actually cracked. The original bell was too heavy for its frame and had to be replaced. Even the second bell developed a crack, which is why the chimes have a slightly distinctive sound today.
4. The Clock That Keeps London on Time
The clock face of Elizabeth Tower is just as iconic as the bell itself. Each of its four dials is 7 meters (23 feet) in diameter, with hands as long as a London bus! The clock mechanism is so precise that it used to be adjusted with a stack of old pennies on the pendulum—removing or adding a coin would change the timing slightly.
Despite the advancements in technology, the old-school mechanics of Big Ben still work beautifully. Even after major renovations, the bell continues to chime, marking time for Londoners and visitors alike.
5. More Than Just a Landmark
Beyond being a marvel of engineering, Big Ben has become a symbol of London’s resilience. Its chimes rang through World War II bombings, remained a source of stability during political changes, and even went silent for repairs between 2017 and 2022—only to return, as grand as ever.
Standing beside it, you can almost feel the weight of history. Whether you're hearing the chimes at midnight on New Year’s Eve, admiring it against a golden sunset, or watching it light up at night, Big Ben is more than just a clock—it’s a living piece of London’s heart.