Discover the Fascinating History of Great Britain’s Iconic Big Ben: 10 Surprising Facts You Need to Know [Keyword: Great Britain Big Ben]

What is Great Britain Big Ben?

Great Britain Big Ben is the nickname for the clock tower located at the Palace of Westminster in London, England.

1. The official name for “Big Ben” actually refers to only the bell inside the clock tower.
2. The clock tower stands at 315 feet tall and has been a symbol of London since it was completed in 1858.

If you’re planning a trip to London, visiting Great Britain Big Ben should definitely be on your list as it represents an iconic structure with rich history intertwined within its walls.

How Great Britain Big Ben Came to Be: A History Lesson

Great Britain’s Big Ben is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Known for its impressive size, flawless beauty, and accurate timekeeping, this clock tower holds a special place in the hearts of all Brits as well as travelers from around the globe.

But have you ever wondered what inspired such an engineering marvel? How did this magnificent structure come to be standing tall amidst London’s busy metropolis?

Let us explore into the history books to unravel Big Ben’s story.

Back in 1834, disaster struck- The Houses Of Parliament caught fire due to overheating of stove flues that were clogged with bird nests. The fire managed to destroy almost everything within it except Westminster Hall and bits of Jewel Tower which housed archives and official papers. Reconstruction was urgently needed since Parliamentary activities could not sustain much of a hiatus.

Charles Barry who won after three competitive entries designed new neo-gothic parliamentary buildings on existing foundations while Augustus Pugin drew laboriously ornate interiors saturated with religious symbolism meeting criticism regarding their intricacy but Charles granted his friend’s aesthetic preferences anyway.

The rebuilt sat proudly by river Thames; yet again interrupted when John Warner & Sons crafted fantastic clocks equaling four faces each at 7 feet diameter using innovative dials held together by cast iron frames pivoting on cantilevers anchored deeply through masonry towards towers’ westward slope angles instead welded flat back edges believing lesser sectional stress than if casting uninterrupted circles only supported fretted hour hands exactly weighing over 300 kilograms apiece along accompanied copper quarter-bells tuned A-F-G-Bb octave progression chimes harmonically resounding across farthest neighborhoods whenever striking precisely every fifteen minutes until fall solenoid kick mechanism used today.

As it was unveiled before society’s very eyes during April Fools’ Day In 1859 (which might make people initially suspect intentions), they couldn’t contain their excitement upon seeing its magnificent stature- Standing 315 feet tall.

The bell resided within the tower’s clock demanded a robust support frame that required eight steam-engine-driven lifts to reach the belfry placed at 185ft. Whitehead Bros foundries outsourced over 2000 tonnes of cast iron into lattice cross-worked beams after they had been fabricated away from the site, providing an additional two stages unifying it stoutly with rest foundational construction snapping them together using tapered buttress joint pins surviving earthquakes and noisy vibrations till today.

Throughout its existence, Big Ben has borne witness to various historical events such as wars or terrorist attacks- Standing as a symbol of hope and strength amidst crises in Britain’s history.

Thus concludes our journey down memory lane. Knowing how Great Britain’s Big Ben came to be is not only learning about another landmark but also British culture and architectural identity written indelibly on London’s skyline for all eternity.

Great Britain Big Ben Step-by-Step: A Tourist’s Guide

Step-by-Step Guide to Exploring Great Britain and Big Ben: A Tourist’s Delight

Great Britain is a country that charms millions of tourists every year with its spectacular natural beauty, rich culture, mouth-watering cuisine, and historical monuments. One such monument that leaves a lasting impression on the visitors’ minds is none other than the world-renowned Big Ben.

Located in Westminster Borough of London, England, this iconic clock tower has been captivating global attention since 1859 when it first chimed across the city. Standing tall at over 96 meters above ground level, Big Ben is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a symbol of British resilience and character.

If you are passionate about history or have an interest in discovering new places around the globe – then exploring Big Ben should be right up your alley! In this step-by-step guide for touring Great Britain’s fascinating landmark -Big Ben; we take you through all there is to know about this magnificent structure- from what to expect at each stage of the journey to interesting facts behind its construction.

1. PLAN YOUR TRIP
The first step in any successful vacation is making sure you plan things out thoroughly beforehand. This requires creating a budget for traveling expenses like flights/hotels/currency exchange rates/souvenirs/transportation etc., as well as coordinating schedules with anyone else who may accompany you along your travels.

2. DHOW TO GET THERE?
Nowadays travel options within Great Britain abound including airways/railways/buses/taxis/on-foot excursions tours (ranging from self-guided audio-tours) till fully guided walking expeditions by reputed tour operators who promise personalized experiences.

3. BUY TICKETS TO THE BIG BEN CLOCK TOWER AND HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT VISITOR CENTRE
After reaching your desired location i.e.- Westminster , head straight towards The Houses Of Parliament’s main gate situated adjacent to Thames river where the Visitor Centre admission desk is located; once there you can purchase tickets for guided or self-guided tours.

4. THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT VISITOR CENTRE
Once inside; be sure to check out the Houses of Parliament’s visitor centre! It includes informative exhibits all about U.K.’s rich history shaped by its democracy, politics, and culture creating an ideal backdrop as well presenting a string of amazing photo opps!

5. ENTERING BIG BEN
Now that we have our tickets let’s head over to enter Big Ben: Visitors will need to clear through security checks primarily comprising x-ray screening machines followed by manual checks where necessary prior entry into this historical masterpiece which continues functional even today after almost 170 years since its first chimes sounded!

6. EXPLORE INSIDE BIG BEN’S CLOCKTOWER
The clock tower features wooden staircases winding around brick walls leading up towards areas such as The Great Bell Chamber / Mechanism Room/ Clock Dials / Royal Tower where visitors get to see firsthand how it feels like standing below World’s largest four-faced chiming clock keeping accurate time daily . And for the adventurous ones out there don’t forget exploring corners nooks hidden within crossbeams lining high ceilings complete with cobwebs dating back centuries!
7. NEARBY SIGHTSEEING OPPORTUNITIES AND SOUVENIR SHOPS AROUND ABBEY SQUARE
With exhilaration running high post explorations in and around Big Ben; tourists are bound find themselves surprised more times than not especially when visiting Abbey Square surroundings bursting with souvenir shops lined between street performers playing some of London’s greatest street music-creating lasting memories worth cherishing lifetime.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion – if exploring historical landmarks is something you enjoy doing while traveling abroad then make Big Ben your next destination without question!! With experience ranging from iconic architecture/stunning view points/fascinating interiors steeped in decades-old history alongside a variety of tour options personalised to individuals needs – this trip is simply not one you’ll regret!

Great Britain Big Ben FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About This Iconic Landmark

Great Britain Big Ben – there’s no denying that this iconic landmark stands out as a symbol of British pride and heritage. Standing tall in the heart of London, it has become a beloved tourist attraction for people from all over the world who flock to witness its majestic presence.

However, despite being one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, there is still a lot that many are unaware about Great Britain’s Big Ben. To help you learn more about this iconic landmark we have put together an FAQ guide outlining everything you need to know!

What does Big Ben refer to?

The term “Big Ben” actually refers to the bell inside the clock tower located at Westminster Palace. The real name of this structure is Elizabeth Tower or St Stephens Tower*. However, due to its immense size (the bell weighs 13 tons) and popularity among locals and tourists alike, it became known as ‘Big Ben’.

*The official name was changed in September 2012 when Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Diamond Jubilee; yet most people still refer to it by its old nickname!

When was Big Ben built?

Construction of the tower began back in 1843 during Queen Victoria’s reign, but wasn’t completed until eight years later in 1859 under King Edward VII.

Why were they building such a big tower?

Mostly because Parliament needed more space! With new Members joining every year since their establishment centuries before – already becoming overcrowded without proper committee rooms afforded these politicians proper place for work related conversations which made consensus hard come voting time on important debates like taxation increases where extra support may have been potentially won through lobbying behind closed doors after hours away from unwanted eyes campaigning against interests These chambers also helped equip elected officials with some privacy while they worked tirelessly day-in-day-out ensuring democracy remained strong throughout history.

How tall is Great Britain’s Big Ben?

Standing at an impressive height of 97 meters (318 feet), Elizabeth Tower is one of London’s most iconic symbols. It has also become known worldwide, gaining the admiration and respect of millions of people.

How big is the clock face?

The clock faces measure a massive 23 feet (7 meters) in diameter each, with the hour hand measuring at around 9 feet long while the minute-hand measures over 14 feet!

What makes Big Ben so special?

Aside from its distinct architecture that dominates London’s skyline and attracts tourists year-round, Great Britain’s Big Ben holds significant historical importance for Great Britain. The tower was constructed during what many consider to be “the golden age” of Victorian engineering – an era characterized by incredible feats such as railway construction and developing innovative industrial technology. Additionally, it stands tall within Westminster Palace – home to one of the oldest democracies in existence, making it a symbol not only or British strength but Democracy itself.

How does Big Ben keep time?

Despite being built over a century ago before all our fancy gadgets like atomic clocks – which provide precise accuracy down to nanoseconds – Great Britain’s Big Ben is incredibly accurate even today! Inside Elizabeth Tower lies a mechanical movement composed entirely out-of-date cog systems developed thankfully made maintenance much more straightforward than if electronics governed operation controlling pendulum speed and rate through gravity changes depending upon available power from main spring; it keeps ticking tirelessly day after day without missing so much as one second!

When can I see/hear Big Ben chime?

Unfortunately due to renovations taking place on Elizabeth Tower since August 2017 visitors will have no access until project concludes: penciled-in for sometime beyond Oct-Dec2021 months.

However tourists may still view surrounding Houses of Parliament “from afar”, marvelling at their grandeur especially evening illumination highlighting exquisite stonework.

During normal operating circumstances associated expenses related staff salaries make allowing every random visitor direct tours uneconomical hence very purposeful approach requiring those interested arranging custom pre-planned tour offered exclusively through their official website only but these are suspended at present during renovations.

In conclusion

There’s no denying that Great Britain’s Big Ben is an icon of monumental size and beauty alike. Whether you have visited London before or not yet, this iconic landmark deserves a place on your list! We hope our FAQ guide has given you the chance to learn some new interesting facts about Elizabeth Tower which may inspire personal research too so next call for true anglophiles worldwide to explore local history as well when abroad.

Top 5 Facts You Never Knew About Great Britain Big Ben

As one of the most iconic landmarks in Great Britain, Big Ben is a towering symbol of British culture and history. However, despite its popularity and significance, there are certain fascinating facts about this beautiful masterpiece that often go unnoticed.

So in this article, we will uncover five little-known but intriguing facts about the world-famous Great Britain’s Big Ben.

1. It’s Not Actually Called Big Ben

The first thing to know about this clock tower is that it isn’t actually called “Big Ben”! Surprised? Well, it turns out that the name technically refers only to the 13.5-tonne bell inside the tower rather than for the clock-tower itself.

Initially named ‘Clock Tower’, in 2012 it was renamed as Elizabeth Tower during celebrations marking Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee year.

2.Its Ticking Sound Is So Loud That You Can Hear It Over Five Kilometers Away

If you thought ticking clocks were irritatingly loud enough already, then be prepared to have your mind blown because Big Ben’s ticking sound can be heard from over 5 kilometers away!

However scary or impressive (depending on how you look at it) this fact might seem; visitors standing within London streets near Westminster Abbey will notice limited levels of noise due to surrounding buildings absorbing sounds waves effectively.

3.Big ben sometimes chops off seconds

Did you ever imagine that even massive clocks such as Big Ben could lose time occasionally?

Well here’s a fun fact: sometimes people complain that they hear an odd tonal sound coming from Big- ben when its chimes indicate some seconds between quarter-to-the-hour and four minutes past! These additional ‘Bongs’ exclude any counting needs since ancient times prompting scientists to believe tonsil vibration typically leads better functioning of “main-bell”.

4.The Clock Houses Numerous Coins Embedded Within The Mechanism

When workers designed Henry Willis’ clock mechanism back In 1859. They decided to put copper watches (instead of oil) for cutting friction in certain places – and very occasionally, a penny falls on a platform!

Despite engineers’ best efforts to diminish the unlikely incidence happening again – there have been some instances where if someone threw any coin out of Buckingham Palace’s balcony- it would collide with Big Ben clock-tower!

5.Its Huge Clock Faces Are Unevenly Arranged

You might think that such an impressive landmark as Great Britain’s Big Ben would be perfectly organized. However, you’d be surprised to learn about one little detail that seems almost too strange to talk about: each face of its four-sided dial is slightly off-center from others.

Even more peculiar? Researchers believe this intentional irregularity was crafted during initial construction since these sides all vary by fractions without being significantly noticeable when individuals look at the hands.

So there we are – five facts that prove just how fascinating Great Britain’s Big Ben really is! Whether you’re fascinated by history or simply enjoy learning new things, knowing these hidden secrets can add even more magic & charm whenever observing/watching Westminster’s crowning jewel.

The Role of Great Britain Big Ben in Contemporary Culture and Society

Big Ben, one of the most iconic landmarks in Great Britain and a symbol of British culture, has played an integral role in contemporary culture and society. Standing tall at 96 meters high, Big Ben is not only a fascinating engineering masterpiece but it also holds historical importance.

Built as part of the Palace of Westminster between 1843 to 1859, Big Ben wasn’t initially intended for public use, but over time it became much more than just a clock tower – it represented national pride and was often used for important events such as New Year’s Eve celebrations or remembrance days. It has become so ingrained within modern culture that references to ‘Big Ben’ even appear regularly in everyday conversations all around the world.

The chimes of Big Ben can be heard throughout London every hour on weekdays from 9 am until midnight. It clearly dominates London’s skyline and provides an outstanding view from many points along the River Thames. The famous Westminster Palace clock face with its prominent perch atop a massive bell tower gives visitors both local natives alike (not limited to humans) plenty reason to stop by Piccadilly Circus!

Beyond its reputation as simply being a functional piece equipment, perhaps what makes this structure truly remarkable is how people have integrated Big Ben into their lives– weddings even take place beneath its great spire! But beyond romantic or political settings; here is no escaping the impact that this towering behemoth has had on popular television shows or sporting events either like when Sarah Jessica Parker’s character “Carrie” climbed up there without effort showing off her toned physique during filming for Sex And The City movie sequel .

In addition to drawing tourists and entertainment purposes exclusively; lately, people are looking towards using technology combined with Time-held traditions thanks due some progress made available through streamed media utilizing services like Facetime: new ways for friends family members overseas to share happy moments together via sights sounds shared forth those nostalgic yet familiar hourly rings & reverberations of the Big Ben.

In conclusion, Great Britain’s Big Ben has an impact that extends far beyond its simple function as a clock tower – it is significant for what it represents; unity, pride and long-standing polish in engineering marvels with symbolism echoing pride and strength running throughout British history thereby solidifying its place within modern culture today!

The Untold Story of the Bell Inside Great Britain Big Ben.

When you think of London, one of the first things that might come to mind is the iconic bell inside Big Ben. It’s a symbol of British heritage and represents all the history and tradition that London embodies. But what do we really know about this famous bell? We’re here to tell you the untold story behind it.

First off, let’s set something straight: The Bell itself isn’t actually called “Big Ben” – this name refers to the clock tower as a whole. The Bell is officially named after its weight (a hefty 13.5 tons) and its key note (E). So where did Big Ben as a name originate from? That’s where things get interesting…

There are several theories surrounding how “Big Ben” came into common usage when referring to both the clock tower and the striking bell, but none have been definitively proven or disproven over time, keeping alive an element of mystery around this world-famous attraction.

Some historians believe that it was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who served as Chief Commissioner of Works during the construction period. He was a large man with a booming voice, which may have earned him—or at least his nickname—a place in popular culture.

Another theory suggests that “Benjamin” could actually refer to an engineer involved in fitting out Parliament’s Palace chambers under Charles Barry for air conditioning; his surname was B ennington . This could mean that ‘big’ referred not only to size but also draught capacity thanks to ventilation improvements made by John Robison on B ennington ’s Beaufort Turbine System project whose fans ensured greater than ever air flow at Westminster.

The truth will always remain unknown—but whichever version you prefer – just make sure never call Buckingham Palace ‘Buck House’!

Now, onto more fascinating facts about the Bell itself! Its chime has become so iconic that it has even inspired popular songs like “Oranges and Lemons” and “Big Ben Blues.” But did you know that the Bell has actually cracked twice in its lifetime? The first time was during testing before it even officially rang for the first time in 1859. It had to be taken down, recast, and reinstalled – a process that took over two years! And then, in 1976, another crack developed which led to the bell being out of commission until the following year.

So what makes this Bell so special? For starters, it’s one of the largest bells in the world (though not THE largest like many people believe) and its sound can be heard up to five miles away on a clear day. It also has a unique mechanism that allows it to ring accurately every hour despite its massive weight. The clock tower containing Big Ben itself is absolutely stunning at night – gracefully illuminated behind Westminster Bridge against beautifully twinkling London skyline creating an unforgettable aesthetic.

In conclusion; there may be some mystery surrounding how “Big Ben” got its name but regardless of any folklore riddles engendering theories floating around however much we think we know about this British iconographically cultural symbolized sound making it still manages capture our imagination with implausible awe inspiring majesty… chimes resonating’ will always pull your heartstrings as memories come flooding back whenever returning or reminiscing about wonderful London adventures exploring rich legacy echoing from intricate designs within walls famously known as Palace Of Westminster standing proudly beyond doubt England’s most precious national treasure attracting tourists from all corners of globe whilst conjuring up ‘Olde-worlde charm feel’ bringing history alive before us reminding everyone who visits just why Great Britain truly is Great Announcing every new Spectacle moment through Big Bens bongs for nearly past three centuries now ringing clearly loud & proud safeguarding city states secret antidote keeping heritage alive being forever encapsulated into Immortal Identity Iconic identity ‘The Pride of Britain’!

Table with useful data:

Topic	Description	Facts
Location	Where is Big Ben located?	Big Ben is located in London, England.
Meaning	What is the origin of the name “Big Ben”?	The name “Big Ben” actually refers to the largest bell inside the clock tower.
History	When was Big Ben built?	Big Ben was built in 1858 and completed in 1859.
Height	How tall is the clock tower?	The clock tower stands at 96 metres (316 feet) tall.
Value	What is the estimated worth of Big Ben?	The estimated worth of Big Ben is over £10 million.

Information from an expert

As an expert on Great Britain, I can tell you that Big Ben is one of its most iconic symbols. This world-renowned clock tower located in London has stood the test of time since it was completed back in 1859. It may surprise you to know that “Big Ben” isn’t actually the tower’s name – it refers specifically to the bell inside. The official name for this famous landmark is Elizabeth Tower, named after Queen Elizabeth II who celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Millions of tourists flock to see Big Ben every year and it remains a lasting symbol of British resilience and strength over two centuries.

Historical fact:

Big Ben, located in the Palace of Westminster in London, England, is actually not the name of the clock tower itself. The Great Bell within the tower was originally named “Victoria” after Queen Victoria and later renamed “Big Ben” after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw its installation as First Commissioner of Works.