Curiosities about the history of Big Ben, the iconic clock of London

One of the great icons of the city of London is undoubtedly the Big Ben.

That is the name by which the world-famous clock tower which is located in the northwest corner of the large and beautiful building of the British Parliament.

In fact, it is possibly the most popular iconic image of England.

And which has returned to the present when it became known that does it move, and that has already moved almost half a meter.

In your London visit, Watch the Big Ben It is one of the obligatory stages, which is also located close to other major tourist attractions, such as the Westmister Abbey and, in a different sense, the giant London Eye ferris wheel.

Curiosities of the History of Big Ben

Next you have 6 curiosities about the history of London's Big Ben.

When was Big Ben in London built?

Maybe you don't know that Big Ben tower in London It is of relatively recent construction, since the first stone was laid in September 1843 and the tower was completed in 1859.

What are the backgrounds of Big Ben in London?

The historical background of Big Ben However, they date back to a first tower that was built in 1290, in what was then called New Palace Yard, which already had a bell tower with a bell and a clock.

In 1370, this initial tower was replaced by another tower with a clock, but it was demolished centuries later, in 1707, due to its great deterioration.

Own parliament building, already known as Westminster Palace, succumbed in 1834 due to a great fire.

It was with the construction of the building that we now see in London that the construction of Big Ben.

Big Ben, name of a bell

Although we all call Big Ben to Parliament tower in London, is actually the name of the first huge bell that was cast for the tower.

But shortly after its construction, in 1857, a large crack appeared in it, either due to the composition of the metal with which it was cast or due to its large dimensions.

Finally, in April 1858 the new bell which replaced the original Big Ben, and that with its 2,5 tons of weight it was much lighter.

As a curious fact, I will tell you that it took 30 hours to get it up the tower.

What is the height of Big Ben in London?

La Big Ben tower It has a height of 96 meters and occupies 12 square meters of surface.

For reach the bell tower You have to climb 334 steps.

How to climb London's Big Ben tower

La Big Ben tower can be visited only by residents of Great Britain who have to request it through the Parliament several months in advance.

Therefore, tourists who visit London cannot climb Big Ben.

How much does London's Big Ben tower move?

After the study prior to the construction of a metro line carried out in October 2011, it was found that Big Ben had moved 43 centimeters,

With this reason the British Parliament created a committee to analyze how to avoid further tilt.

In any case, as experts have said, for the Big Ben tower had an image similar to the famous one Pisa's leaning tower, more than 4.000 years should pass...so I think we will not see it.