Musicians may be interested to know that when it is struck, Big Ben chimes out the note “E.” The four smaller bells in the tower, which are rung on the ‘quarter’ hours, strike “G sharp,” ″F sharp,” ″E” and “B.” Palace historians believe it was installed so Queen Victoria (1837-1901) could gaze out from Buckingham Palace and see if lawmakers were working. Big Ben was turned and its hammer size reduced, allowing it to be used again.Īt the top of the Elizabeth Tower is a lantern known as the Ayrton Light, which is illuminated whenever the House of Commons or the House of Lords is in session.

Three years later, the problem was solved after a suggestion from the Astronomer Royal, Sir George Airy.

While a solution was being sought, one of the smaller bells in the tower was used to strike the hour - but its tone was quieter and not as distinctive. It had one dial and one bell.Ī few months into its first year, Big Ben was found to be fractured in two places. According to records at the Palace of Westminster, a clock tower was built in New Palace Yard around 1289. The first recorded clock tower on the site was erected over 700 years ago. Big Ben has rung out hourly through the reigns of six British monarchs. The tower was completed in 1859 and Big Ben’s first peals rang out over London on July 11 that year. It is 2.2 meters (7 feet, 2 ½ inches) high and has a diameter of 2.7 meters (8 feet, 10 inches). tons) - about the size of two large African Elephants. Big Ben weighs 13.5 British tons (15.1 U.S.

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