Big Ben

I’ve been walking past Big Ben, on and off, since I was kid often without giving it a second thought. Yet, it’s an amazing example of Victorian engineering.

For Big Ben (nickname only of The Great Bell) to produce its iconic sound, it chimes on the hour alongside four smaller bells. Their notes all combine to create the famous tune. The bells don’t swing, rather, they’re hit by hammers. 

The clock is known for its accuracy and, astonishingly, the mechanism is adjusted with old (pre-decimal) pennies. Adding one penny causes the clock to gain two-fifths of a second every 24 hours.

The Clock Tower, renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012, is open to the public. There are 334 steps to the Belfry; 399 steps to the special light that illuminates the tower when Parliament is in session. Sounds great, but suddenly I feel exhausted. 

Link to the iconic chime. Please enjoy...
https://tinyurl.com/yc79r88u