Big Ben
Clock tower in London, England
About
Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the Great Clock of Westminster, and, by extension, for the clock tower that stands at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, England. Originally named the Clock Tower, the structure was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The clock is a striking clock with five bells.
The tower was designed by Augustus Pugin and Sir Charles Barry in the Perpendicular Gothic style and was completed in 1859. It is decorated with stone carvings and features symbols related to the four countries of the United Kingdom and the Tudor dynasty. A Latin inscription celebrates Queen Victoria, under whose reign the palace was built. It stands 316 feet (96 m) tall, and the climb from ground level to the belfry is 334 steps. Its base is square, measuring 40 feet (12 m) on each side. The dials of the clock are 22.5 feet (6.9 m) in diameter.
Nearby
More to see within walking distance
House of Commons of the United Kingdom
Lower house of the UK Parliament
330 ft away
House of Lords
Upper house of the UK Parliament
0.1 mi away
Westminster Abbey
Church in London, England
0.2 mi away
Palace of Westminster
Meeting place of the UK Parliament
0.1 mi away
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Notable place
330 ft away
Judicial Committee of the Privy Council
Judicial body in the United Kingdom
0.2 mi awayPlaces to eat nearby
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Traveler reviews
Tickets & tours
Tickets and tours for Big Ben
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