Big ben by_natalia_smirnova

The clock is very accurate. The

speed of the clock is adjusted by

placing old penny coins on the

pendulum. Adding a coin speeds

the clock by 2 fifths of a second

every 24 hours.

The name "Big Ben" actually

refers only to the 13 tonne bell

located within the clock tower.

The tower itself is actually

called simply "The Clock Tower".

Changes in ground conditions

in the 150 years since the

tower was constructed have

led to it leaning to the

north-west at an angle of

about 1 in 250.

Each of the four clock faces

has a diameter of over 7

meters. They are cleaned

once every 5 years by

abseiling cleaners.

There are cells in the tower

where Members of Parliament

can be imprisoned for a

breach of parliamentary

privilege.

Some more interesting facts about Big Ben

Big Ben is the biggest four-faced, chiming clock in the

world.

The real name of the tower, housing the clock, is 'Clock

Tower'. Big Ben is the nickname of the main bell, formally

known as the Great Bell, housed within the tower. However,

the nickname is more popular than the official one.

A survey of 2,000 people was conducted in 2008 that came

up with conclusion that the tower was the most popular

landmark in the United Kingdom.

Clock Tower is also been referred to as The Tower of Big

Ben and, incorrectly, St Stephen's Tower. However, the

latter is actually the spired tower towards the middle of the

Palace, which serves as the main point of entry for

attendees of debates and committees. It is also called Big

Tom.

Big Ben was built to replace the Old Palace of

Westminster, after it was destroyed by fire in

October 1834.

Big Ben was designed by Charles Barry.

The clock and its dials were designed by Augustus

Pugin.

The first 61 meters of Clock Tower are made up of

brickwork and stone cladding and the remainder of

tower is made from cast iron.

The bell of 'Big Ben' weighs 14.5 tonnes. It is the

huge size of the bell that inspired Benjamin Hall to

give it the name of Big Ben.

The bell of Clock Tower did not stop working even

during World War 2.

•••• The four faces of the clock are 55

meters above ground.

•••• At the base of each clock face is a Latin

inscription, in gilt letters. It reads -

DOMINE SALVAM FAC REGINAM

NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM, which

means "O Lord, keep safe our Queen

Victoria the First".

•••• Clock Tower is the focus of New Year

celebrations in the United Kingdom, with

radio and TV stations tuning to its chimes to

welcome the start of the year.

•••• ITN's "News at Ten" opening sequence

features an image of the Clock Tower, with

the sound of clock's chimes punctuating the

announcement of the news headlines. It has

done so, on and off, for the last 41 years.

The clock tower widely known as Big Ben is to be renamed the

Elizabeth Tower in honour of the Queen, the House of Commons has

confirmed.

It follows a campaign, backed by most MPs and the three main party

leaders, to rename the tower in recognition of the Queen's 60 year reign.

At present the famous central London landmark is described by the Palace

of Westminster as the Clock Tower.

The House of Commons authorities have now agreed the change.

Notwithstanding that the official name of this

tower was changed for millions of tourists it will

remain the same , world known BIG BEN.