Britain's Big Ben

If Egypt has its pyramids, France has the Eiffel Tower, and the United States has the Statue of Liberty, then Britain has its Big Ben. This famous landmark in the city of London is better viewed at night when the clock dial is fully lighted. A light above the clock's face signifies that the parliament is in session.

The name Big Ben does not pertain to the four-faced clock itself nor to the clock tower, but to the bell hanging inside the clock tower. The thirteen ton bell was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, Britain's first Commissioner of Works. The bell was originally located at the old Westminster Palace until it was finally placed in its present location today. It was created by George Mears who was then the master bell founder of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. The first chime of the bell was in July of 1859, but the bell cracked after two months, but instead of recasting it, it was simply given a quarter turn. The bell was destroyed during the World War II. However, it was rebuilt in 1950.

Aside from the main bell in the clock tower, there are also four other bells which are rung to play the Westminster Quarters. The clock is also known for its reliability. It never stopped except for its first and only breakdown in 1976, wherein the chiming mechanism broke down. The Big Ben being Britain's most famous landmark attracts tourist from all over the world.