Big Ben was originally the name given purely to the bell. Over the years, however, it has also become the name of the chimes, the clock tower, the mechanism and even the surrounding area. Big Ben continues to chime the hour to this day, and the chimes are broadcast by radio and television stations to mark New Year and Remembrance Day. Big Ben is part of the Palace of Westminster originally started in 1020. The palace was burnt down in 1834, so the Gothic architecture you see today is comparatively recent.

Big Ben is the largest clock in Britain and has kept exact time for the nation since May 1859. It has four 23ft (7.5m) dials (one on each face) and the minute hand is 14ft long and made of hollow copper for lightness. Big Ben is not the clock tower but the thirteenth bell which strikes the hour. The clock is the world's largest four-faced, chiming clock and the third largest free-standing clock tower in the world. Big Ben was taken out of service and for the next three years the hours were struck on the largest of the quarter-bells. Eventually, a lighter hammer was fitted, a square piece of metal chipped out of the soundbow, and the bell given an eighth of a turn to present an undamaged section to the hammer.

Big Ben is still cracked, which gives it a distinctive tone. Big Ben is another structure built many years ago which will remain a landmark for simple and beautifull arhitecture and excellent engineering which will continue to atract touristis for many generations to come.

Big Ben is one of London's best-known landmarks, and looks most spectacular at night when the clock faces are illuminated. You even know when parliament is in session, because a light shines above the clock face. Big Ben is closed to the public, its real name is the Clock Tower, Big Ben is actually the name of the bell inside!

Westminster Hall is the only part of the original palace remaining after the fire in 1834. The high court sat, for centuries, beneath its magnificent hammer beam roof. Westminster Abbey is one of the oldest buildings in London and one of the most important religious centres in the country. Many kings and Queens and famous people are buried or commemorated there.

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