Big Ben is one of the most famous clock towers in the whole world. This tower belongs to the Palace of Westminster in London, and it is settled on its north side. It’s the third tallest clock tower in the world, with 316 foots (about 100 meters). The clock started clicking for itself for the first time on 31 May 1859. Most people think that Big Ben refers to the entire tower with the clock, but that is not correct. Actually, Big Ben is the name for the clock in the tower.
The base of the each side have clock about 7 meters wide (23 feet), they are designed for easy maintenance and cleaning. On all four sides of the clock there is an inscription in Latin: DOMINE SALVAM FAC REGINAM NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM, which means: “Lord save our Queen Victoria I”.
The nick name Big Ben is probably after the Benjamin Hall, person who first ordered the bell. But, there is also opinion that wears the name after Benjamin Caunt, English boxer champion. Whether it bears the name of one or the other Benjamin, Big Ben is one of the most famous building and one of the “must see” destinations in London. It is the symbol of London, beside the black cab and double decker bus.
The beauty of the Westminster palace, built in gothic style, and the tallness of the tower with the impressing Big Ben clock has made it to become one of the most visited sights on the world list.
Some other interesting information about Big Ben:
Big Ben appears in many films (The Thirty-Nine Steps, The Avengers, Big Ben Strikes Again…). During the World War I the clock was stopped to prevent the attack of Germans. The major breakdown was in 1976, speed regulator was broke after 100 years. After nine months it was fixed.
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