Elizabeth Tower

Elizabeth Tower
Dave Bezaire · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Elizabeth Tower
Caption	The tower viewed from Westminster Bridge
Location	City of Westminster, London, England
Coordinates	51, 30, 03, N...
Status	Complete
Start date	28 September 1843
Completion date	31 May 1859
Height	96 m
Architect	Augustus Pugin
Structural engineer	Charles Barry
Owner	King Charles III in right of the Crown

Elizabeth Tower. The iconic clock tower at the north-eastern end of the Palace of Westminster in London, widely known by the nickname "Big Ben," which more precisely refers to its Great Bell. Completed in 1859 as part of the reconstruction of the palace following the Great Fire of 1834, the tower is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture and one of the world's most famous symbols of the United Kingdom and parliamentary democracy. Its clock, renowned for its reliability, and its resonant bells are broadcast globally, marking the hour for the BBC and other services.

History

The tower's construction was part of the ambitious rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster, led by architect Charles Barry after the devastating Great Fire of 1834. The foundation stone was laid on 28 September 1843, but the project faced significant delays due to funding issues, design changes, and the complexity of the engineering. The chief architect for the tower's elaborate Gothic detailing was Augustus Pugin, who worked tirelessly until his death in 1852. The structure was finally completed in 1859, with the clock mechanism becoming operational and the Great Bell first striking in July of that year. Throughout its history, it has witnessed pivotal events including the Blitz during World War II, the Jubilee line extension, and numerous state occasions like the State Opening of Parliament.

Architecture and design

Designed in the Perpendicular Gothic style, the tower stands 96 metres tall and is constructed from brick clad in Anston limestone and Cornish granite. The intricate stonework and ornamentation, including shields, portraits, and floral emblems, were the work of Augustus Pugin. Its interior houses a narrow spiral staircase of 334 limestone steps leading to the belfry. The four clock faces, each 7 metres in diameter, are made of opal glass and are illuminated at night, a feature managed by the Houses of Parliament maintenance team. The Ayrton Light above the clock faces is illuminated when either the House of Commons or the House of Lords is sitting after dark.

Renaming and controversy

Originally known simply as the Clock Tower, it was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 following a motion in the House of Commons to honor Queen Elizabeth II for her Diamond Jubilee. This change was not without controversy, as some politicians and members of the public viewed it as an unnecessary break with tradition, while others saw it as a fitting tribute. The renaming followed the precedent of the Victoria Tower at the opposite end of the palace, named for Queen Victoria. The proposal was supported by figures including Prime Minister David Cameron and the Speaker of the House of Commons, though it was noted that the popular nickname "Big Ben" would undoubtedly persist in common usage.

Bells and clock mechanism

The tower's most famous element is the Great Bell, nicknamed "Big Ben," weighing over 13 tons and tuned to the note E. It was cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry but cracked shortly after installation; it was later recast and has been in service since 1859. The four quarter bells, which chime the Westminster Quarters, were cast by John Warner & Sons. The clock mechanism, designed by lawyer and amateur horologist Edmund Beckett Denison and clockmaker Edward John Dent, is renowned for its exceptional accuracy, regulated by a stack of old penny coins placed on its pendulum. Major maintenance and silencing periods have occurred, such as during the Funeral of Winston Churchill and a significant restoration project from 2017 to 2021.

Cultural significance

An enduring global icon, its image and chimes are synonymous with London and the BBC, which has broadcast the bells since 1923. It has featured prominently in countless films, television shows, and literature, from Alfred Hitchcock's *The 39 Steps* to depictions in the Doctor Who series. The tower is a focal point for national events, serving as a backdrop for New Year's Eve celebrations, the London Marathon, and moments of remembrance like on Armistice Day. It stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, continuity, and the enduring traditions of the British constitution and parliamentary system.

Category:Clock towers in the United Kingdom Category:Buildings and structures in the City of Westminster Category:Gothic Revival architecture in London Category:Tourist attractions in London