The Time Big Ben Rang the Wrong Hour – London’s Most Fashionably Late New Year
Picture this: it's New Year's Eve, 1961 turning to 1962. Crowds are huddled around radios and televisions, glasses of bubbly in hand, waiting for the iconic chimes of Big Ben to officially ring in the New Year.
And then… silence.
A pause.
Confusion.
And when the bongs finally came — they were ten minutes late.
Yes, seriously.
Welcome to one of London's most charming blunders in timekeeping history — the moment when Big Ben chimed in the New Year 10 minutes late, leaving Londoners (and the world) hilariously off-sync as they stumbled into 1962.
What Happened on New Year’s Eve 1961?
Big Ben — the nickname for the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower at the Houses of Parliament — is famous worldwide for its precise timekeeping. But on this frosty New Year’s Eve, something rather un-British happened: Big Ben was late.
On the night of December 31, 1961, the UK was hit by a cold snap. London experienced snow and icy temperatures, and while most of the city was focused on fireworks and festivities, Big Ben was battling the elements.
As the clock mechanisms turned to midnight, something odd occurred — the buildup of snow and ice on the pendulum had thrown off the clock's rhythm.
Result?
Big Ben’s famous “bongs” came at 12:10 AM, not midnight.
London Celebrated Twice
Here’s where it gets even better.
In the days before smartphone countdowns and synced digital clocks, Big Ben was the time signal. People relied on it to toast the New Year.
So when the chimes didn’t come at midnight, many assumed something was wrong with their radios. But when they finally did ring out ten minutes later, thousands of people — from pub-goers to house parties — cheered all over again.
Two countdowns. Two rounds of “Auld Lang Syne.” Twice the champagne.
If you’re going to mess up New Year’s Eve, at least make it more fun — and that’s exactly what happened.
The Reason Behind the Delay
Let’s get a little technical for the clock nerds out there.
The Elizabeth Tower's clock mechanism is a gravity escapement system — meaning it relies on a pendulum that swings with incredible precision. It’s kept in balance by a stack of coins placed on a small tray to regulate its motion to within seconds.
However, that balance is fragile.
On 31 December 1961, snow and ice formed on the pendulum, slightly weighing it down and causing a gradual delay. Over the course of a few hours, it slipped behind schedule — leading to the midnight chimes arriving a whole 10 minutes late.
Big Ben’s Legacy of Quirky Moments
This wasn’t the only time Big Ben ran into a hiccup. Despite being one of the most famous timepieces in the world, the clock has had its share of drama:
1916–1918 & 1939–1945: The chimes were silenced during both World Wars.
2005: The clock stopped for about 90 minutes during an unusually hot summer.
2017–2022: Big Ben underwent major repairs, during which the chimes were mostly silenced except for special occasions.
But the 1962 incident remains the most endearing — mostly because of its timing and the city’s unbothered reaction.
London Took It in Stride
What makes this story so beautifully British is how people responded.
There were no angry letters or national outrage.
Instead, it became one of those classic tales Londoners love to tell — the night we entered the New Year a bit fashionably late, with style and humour. Newspapers reported it with a wink. And to this day, it’s a pub quiz classic and a top trivia fact that still baffles tourists.
Is Big Ben Still Used for the New Year Countdown?
Absolutely.
Despite the tech we have now, Big Ben’s bongs still hold a special place in the national heart. Every BBC New Year’s broadcast still features the chimes at midnight, and every Londoner knows — when Big Ben rings, the new year has officially arrived.
Of course, after the 1962 incident, extra precautions are taken in extreme weather. Engineers closely monitor the clock’s temperature, weight, and timing during the holidays to ensure no more accidental double New Year celebrations.
(Though let’s be honest — many of us wouldn’t mind it.)
Why This Story Still Matters
In a city steeped in grandeur, monarchy, and centuries-old tradition, stories like these add a layer of whimsy and charm.
They remind us that even the most iconic symbols — like the Great Bell of Westminster — can have an off day.
And sometimes, a little chaos makes a night even more memorable.
Plan Your Visit: Can You See Big Ben?
Yes! After years of renovation, Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower have fully reopened to the public.
Tours: Guided tours are available for UK residents and must be booked in advance via Parliament's official website.
📍 Location: Westminster, London SW1A 0AA
Nearest Tube: Westminster (Jubilee, Circle, and District lines)
Even if you're just passing by, standing near Big Ben at sunset or hearing it chime on the hour is one of those magical London moments.
Fun Fact: Big Ben Isn’t the Clock
Just in case you're new to the trivia: Big Ben is actually the bell, not the clock or the tower.
The Tower: Renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012
The Clock: Just called “the Great Clock”
Big Ben: The largest of the five bells inside
(Though let’s be honest — no one’s correcting you if you call the whole thing Big Ben.)
Final Chime
So there you have it — the night Big Ben fell behind, and London stumbled into 1962 ten minutes later than planned. A tiny slip in time that turned into a beloved moment of laughter, extra champagne, and yet another reason to love this city.
Next time you hear Big Ben chime at midnight, remember: it once missed its cue… and everyone still had a great time.
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