description Elizabeth Tower Overview
Elizabeth Tower is a prominent Victorian Gothic structure located on the Houses of Parliament grounds in London. Constructed in 1859, it serves as the home for Britain’s Great Bell, commonly called Big Ben. The tower's accurate clock mechanism and architectural design make it a significant historical monument. It is primarily used by the public for observation and appreciation of British heritage, appealing to tourists, historians, and those interested in horology.
insights Why this score
Elizabeth Tower ranks #183 of 591 in the Monument ranking, behind Wawel Castle, ahead of Stockholm City Hall.
help Elizabeth Tower FAQ
Is Big Ben the name of Elizabeth Tower?
Strictly speaking, Big Ben is the nickname of the Great Bell inside the tower. The structure itself was commonly called the Clock Tower until Parliament renamed it Elizabeth Tower in 2012 for Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.
When was Elizabeth Tower completed?
The tower and its great clock were completed as part of the rebuilt Palace of Westminster in the mid-19th century, with the clock beginning operation in 1859. Charles Barry designed the palace, while Augustus Pugin was responsible for important Gothic decorative work associated with the tower.
Who designed the clock mechanism in Elizabeth Tower?
The clock's design is associated with Edmund Beckett Denison and clockmaker Edward John Dent, whose firm constructed the mechanism. Its gravity escapement helped isolate the pendulum from external forces transmitted through the clock hands.
Can members of the public tour inside Elizabeth Tower?
UK residents can apply for limited guided tours arranged through Members of Parliament, subject to Parliament's current rules and availability. The climb involves hundreds of steps, and ordinary sightseeing tickets for the Palace of Westminster do not automatically include the tower.
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