Big Ben

It is one of London’s most famouse

landmarks.

Big Ben is actually the name of the

huge bell, but most people use it to
refer to the clock and the tower as
well. It is the world’s largest
chiming clock with four faces.

The clock tower was built between 1843 and 1858 and is 316 feet high and it is part
of the Palace of Westminster. Although the public is not allowed inside, there are
great views from the nearby London Eye.

Big Ben was probably named for the Commissioner of Works, Benjamin Hall, a man
well known for his large size.

The clock tower has featured in dozens of

movies, including Shanghai Knights and the
1978 version of The 39 Steps. Both films
feature an exciting climax with the hero
hanging from the clock hands.

The minute hand on Big Ben weight about 220

pounds and is just over 12 feet long. Every
year, the hand travels the equivalent of about
118 miles.Pennies are still placed on mechanism
to ensure the clock is accurate as possible.
The clock gains 2/5 of a second in a day when
one penny is added.