The Iconic Big Ben Clock Tower
The Big Ben Clock Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and a symbol of the United Kingdom. It is the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster, the seat of the British Parliament. The tower has been a part of the London skyline for over 150 years and its chimes are heard around the world.
The History of the Big Ben Clock Tower
The idea of a clock tower for the Palace of Westminster was first proposed in the 1830s. The competition for the design of the tower was won by architect Charles Barry and the clock was designed by Edmund Beckett Denison. The tower was completed in 1859 and the clock started keeping time on May 31, 1859. The name "Big Ben" originally referred to the bell inside the tower, but over time it has become synonymous with the tower itself. Big Ben has rung out for many historic events, including the end of World War II and the opening ceremony of the London Olympics.
The Design and Architecture of Big Ben
The design of the Big Ben Clock Tower is a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, which was popular in the 19th century. The tower is 96 meters tall and has a square base. The clock faces are 7 meters in diameter and each has 312 pieces of opal glass. The clock mechanism is driven by a pendulum and weights and is accurate to within a few seconds per day. The bell inside the tower weighs 13.5 tons and was one of the largest bells in the world at the time it was cast.
The Role of the Palace of Westminster
The Palace of Westminster is the seat of the British Parliament and has been since the 11th century. The current building was designed by architect Charles Barry and completed in 1870. The building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to the public for tours. The Palace of Westminster is a symbol of British democracy and is the location of many important events in British history.
The Construction Timeline of Big Ben
The construction of the Big Ben Clock Tower took eight years, from 1852 to 1859. The tower was built in stages, starting with the foundations and ending with the installation of the clock mechanism and bells. The tower was constructed using a combination of brick, stone, and cast iron. The clock mechanism was designed and built by Edmund Beckett Denison and is still in use today.
The Challenges in Building Big Ben
Building the Big Ben Clock Tower was a challenging task, both technically and politically. The tower had to be built on unstable marshland and the construction required the use of innovative engineering techniques to prevent the tower from sinking. The tower also had to be built at a time of political upheaval, as the British Parliament was debating the reform of the electoral system.
The Key Players in Building Big Ben
The construction of the Big Ben Clock Tower was a collaborative effort between many architects, engineers, and craftsmen. The chief architect of the project was Charles Barry, who oversaw the overall design of the tower. The clock mechanism was designed by Edmund Beckett Denison, who was a renowned clockmaker. The bell was cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, which was one of the most famous bell foundries in the world at the time.
The Chief Architect of Big Ben
The chief architect of the Big Ben Clock Tower was Charles Barry, who was one of the most prominent architects of the 19th century. Barry was responsible for the overall design of the tower, including the Gothic and Renaissance elements that give the tower its distinctive appearance. Barry also oversaw the construction of the Palace of Westminster, which was completed in 1870.
The Role of the Clock Maker
The clock mechanism of the Big Ben Clock Tower was designed by Edmund Beckett Denison, who was a clockmaker and mathematician. Denison’s design was chosen for its accuracy and reliability, and it has been in continuous use since it was installed in 1859. The clock mechanism is driven by a pendulum and weights, and it is accurate to within a few seconds per day.
The Bell Foundry that Cast Big Ben
The bell inside the Big Ben Clock Tower was cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, which was located in the East End of London. The foundry was founded in 1570 and was one of the most famous bell foundries in the world. The casting of the bell was a challenging task, as it had to be done on site due to the size of the bell.
The Final Touches to Big Ben
The final touches to the Big Ben Clock Tower were completed in 1859, when the clock mechanism and bells were installed. The opal glass for the clock faces was also installed at this time. The tower was painted a deep shade of blue-black, which was a popular color for Gothic Revival buildings at the time. The tower has remained largely unchanged since it was completed, although it has undergone some restoration work in recent years.
The Unveiling and Legacy of Big Ben
The Big Ben Clock Tower was officially unveiled on May 31, 1859, when the clock started keeping time. The tower quickly became a symbol of British identity and was used to mark the passing of time for the people of London. The chimes of Big Ben are heard around the world and the tower has become one of the most recognized landmarks in the world. In recent years, the tower has undergone some restoration work to ensure that it remains standing for future generations to admire.